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.

脱氢乙酸钠对不同性别Wistar大鼠凝血功能的影响

为了探究脱氢乙酸钠(S-DHA)对Wistar大鼠的凝血功能的影响及性别间的差异,设置50、100、150、200 mg/kg 4个剂量,每个剂量分为雌、雄2组,同时设定空白组,连续灌胃给药13 d,实时监测大鼠体重变化和饲料消耗,并在第3、5、7、9、11、13天分别检测大鼠凝血酶原时间(PT)和活化部分凝血活酶时间(APTT)、血清维生素K 1水平和S-DHA浓度。结果表明,大鼠体重、饲料消耗和血清维生素K 1水平均显著降低,PT和APTT延长。雌性大鼠血清S-DHA浓度显著高于雄性大鼠,且雌性大鼠PT和APTT与血清S-DHA浓度的相关性以及与血清维生素K 1水平的相关性均高于雄性大鼠。S-DHA导致Wistar大鼠凝血功能异常,且雌性大鼠比雄性大鼠对S-DHA更敏感。

Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera (Moringaceae) Effectively Treats Induced Hemolytic Anemia in Wistar Rats

Introduction: Moringa oleifera was a medicinal plant generally used by populations in the food and therapeutic fields. It’s used to treat anemia has been observed in the Djougou Zone in northern Benin. To our knowledge, there were no scientific data available that have evaluated its efficacy in the treatment of haemolytic anemia. This was what justifies this research work in which the phytochemical analysis, extraction and evaluation of the anti-anemic effect were carried out. Methods: Five groups of five Wistar rats each were formed. All the rats were rendered anemic by injection of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride on the first two days D0 and D1 except those in the negative control group. From the second day, the anemic groups were force-fed either with the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves at 200 or 300 mg/kg body weight/day, or with vitafer, the reference drug against anemia. The positive control group (anemia) was not treated. Blood samples were taken from all the rats on different days: D0, D2, D7, D10 and D15 to evaluate the data of the hemogram and the osmotic resistance of the red blood cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, saponosides, triterpenes and mucilages. A good yield was obtained at the extraction. Both the extract and the reference drug vitafer completely corrected anemia within two weeks after stimulating hemoglobin synthesis and early release of immature red blood cells into the bloodstream. Its effect seemed dose-dependent and specific. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera leaves showed good therapeutic efficacy and can be considered and exploited for transformation into improved traditional medicines (ITM) in the treatment of anemia.

Impact of Selected Processing Methods of High-Level Cyanide in Cassava on Optic Neuropathy in Wistar Albino Rats—An Experimental Study

Background: Cassava tuber crop is a staple food rich in carbohydrates and utilized in various forms by millions of Nigerians. The storage root of the cassava contains linamarin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is easily hydrolyzed to release cyanide salt compounds which is toxic to the nervous system especially the optic nerve, sometimes leading to optic neuropathy and visual impairment. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out the impact of selected processing methods of high-level cyanide in cassava on optic neuropathy in Wistar albino rats. Methodology: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were fed with different concentration and duration of predetermined high-cyanide content cassava root cultivar which was processed using different processing methods adopted by various communities in Rivers State, Nigeria (for human consumption). A control group of 3 Wistar albino rats was fed with normal “Growth Mesh” meals. The pre and post weights of the animals and the fundoscopic optic nerve status of the rats were evaluated after 30 and 60 days. SPSS Version 25 was employed for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The Cassava species available in Rivers State have high cyanide content (2336.79 mg CN-/kg dry weight of cassava). There was statistically significant reduction in the cyanide content (p = 0.000) depending on the various common processing methods (into garri for human consumption): 24 hours, 48 hours, fermentation;with and without red palm oil additive. The individual weights as well as the mean weight of the 24 rats in the experimental group increased gradually from the first week to the 9th week with a slight weight reduction on the third and fourth weeks which was not statistically significant (p = 0.092). However, there was a steady increase in the weights of the animals in the control group throughout the 9 weeks. Varying degrees of optic neuropathy occurred, worse with the rats that had 24-hour fermented cassava twice daily for 60 days. The intra and inter group differences in the optic disc changes was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Longer duration of processing cassava roots into garri for human consumption reduces its cyanide content and minimizes the adverse impact on the optic nerve.

Assessment of d ifferent f ormalin c oncentrations on the h istochemical s taining of l iver,k idneys and l ungs of Wistar r ats

Background:Formaldehyde is a chemical substance used to preserve the biochemical and physiological components of a tissue by preventing autolysis and putrefaction,leaving the tissue in a life-like manner.Objective:This study aims to assess the effect of formalin concentrations on the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.Methods:A total of ten(10)Wistar rats were purchased and allowed to acclimatize for a period of 2 weeks in plastic cages with iron netting at the Animal House facility,Babcock University.The animals were placed on standard rat feeds and water ad-libitum.The rats were randomly sacrificed by cervical dislocation,following mild anaesthesia using chloroform inhalation.For histological examination,the liver,lungs,and kidneys of Wistar rats were removed and preserved in neutral buffered formalin at 2%,4%,6%,8%,and 10%concentrations.Sections were stained in Haematoxylin and Eosin(Vector Laboratories,Inc.Newark,US).The quality of the nuclei,cytoplasm and cell membrane were graded on a scale of 1(poor)to 5(excellent).Results:Six percent(6%)formalin was observed to produce excellent results in liver tissues with a total grade of sixteen(16).10%formalin produced excellent results in lung tissues with a total grade or nineteen(19).Interestingly,2%,6%and 10%formalin concentrations produced excellently results in kidney tissues with the highest total grade fourteen(14).Conclusion:This study concludes that 6%formalin produced better section and staining qualities more than the commonly used 10%formalin according to the observations from the stained sections.This implies that the concentration of formalin affects the histochemical staining in liver,kidneys and lungs of Wistar rats.

Radioprotective Potencies of Allium Cepa Extract (ACE) against Radiation-Induced Hepatoxicity in Wistar Rats

Background and Purpose: All types of ionizing radiations generate ions which can lead to the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excess production of free radicals or decrease in antioxidants level leads to oxidative stress. It is a harmful process that induces damage to cell structures, lipids, proteins, RNA and DNA which leads to a number of diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of plant extract (Allium Cepa Extract (ACE)) on the kidney of wistar rats exposed to radiation using and assaying some biochemical enzymes. Material and Method: 60 wistar rats weighing 170 ± 20 g were equally divided into six groups for the study. Group 1 (control): neither received ACE nor irradiation. Group 2 (ACE): received 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE. Group 3 (4 Gy-Irradiated): were exposed to 4 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 4 (6 Gy-Irradiated): were exposed to 6 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 5 (ACE + 4 Gy): were treated with 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE once daily for twenty-eight days but exposed to 4 Gy TBI on day 14. Group 6 (ACE + 6 Gy): were treated with 1000 mg/Kg b.wt of ACE once daily for twenty-eight days but exposed to 6 Gy TBI on day 14. All the groups received distilled water and feed ad libitum during the acclimatization and experimental periods. Four animals in each group were sacrificed 24 h after irradiation and the 4 remaining animals were sacrificed on day 29 for biochemical assay and histopathological evaluation, the statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the data editor SPSS version 28. Results: From the biochemical enzymes, the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) in group 2 when compared to group 1 was almost the same, which was not statically significant with (p > 0.05), but groups 3 and 4 show a significant increase in the level of MDA with (p < 0.05) while group 5 and 6 showed no significant increase in MAD with (p > 0.05). The other enzymes like SOD, CAT, GST, and GSH followed suit. Conclusion: From the results it is a clear indication that Allium Cepa Extract can ameliorate the effect of radiation induced disease.

Emerging role of liquid biopsy in rat sarcoma virus mutated metastatic colorectal cancer:A case report

BACKGROUND In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC),the treatment options are limited and have been proved to be affected by rat sarcoma virus(RAS)mutational status.In RAS wild-type(wt)patients,the combination of antiepidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)monoclonal antibodies with chemotherapy(CT)is more effective than CT alone.On the other hand,RAS-mutated patients are not eligible for treatment with anti-EGFR antibodies.CASE SUMMARY Eleven patients with initially RAS-mutated mCRC were followed from diagnosis to May 2022.At the time of cell-free DNA determination,five patients had undergone one CT line,five patients had undergone two CT lines,and one patient had undergone three CT lines(all in combination with bevacizumab).At the second and third treatment lines[second line(2L),third line(3L)],patients with neo-RAS wt received a combination of CT and cetuximab.In neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR,our findings indicated an increase in progression-free survival for both 2L and 3L(14.5 mo,P=0.119 and 3.9 mo,P=0.882,respectively).Regarding 2L overall survival,we registered a slight increase in neo-RAS wt patients treated with anti-EGFR(33.6 mo vs 32.4 mo,P=0.385).At data cut-off,two patients were still alive:A RAS-mutated patient undergoing 3L treatment and a neo-RAS wt patient who received 2L treatment with anti-EGFR(ongoing).CONCLUSION Our case series demonstrated that monitoring RAS mutations in mCRC by liquid biopsy may provide an additional treatment line for neo-RAS wt patients.

Effects of Sarcocephalus latifolius Fruits Extract on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats

Background and Aim: Sarcocephalus latifolius is a medicinal plant commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits aqueous extract against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Material and Methods: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits at doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg were administered orally to rats with paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity (1 g/kg). The treatment with the extract and paracetamol lasted 7 days. Silymarin (50 mg/kg) was given as reference control. All tested drugs were administered orally. Results: Our results show that the Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits extract induced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL) and total bilirubin (TB). Then, the extract at the dose of 500 mg/kg showed a better protection (p < 0.001) of hepatocytes with a percentage of protection of 43.59% ± 2.03%;59.43% ± 4.12%;73.29% ± 5.72% and 62.55% ± 7.48% for ALAT, ASAT, PAL and TB, respectively. The histology of livers exposed to paracetamol shows an inflammation of the hepatocytes. In addition, there was a significant alteration of the liver parenchyma. The 500 mg/kg extract showed a resorption of the inflammation. Histopathological examination showed that the extract regenerated paracetamol-induced liver damage. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits has hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. But it would be important to evaluate the activity of aqueous extract of Sarcocephalus latifolius fruits on oxidative stress parameters in vivo in rats. .

低氧敏感和低氧耐受型Wistar大鼠筛选及其G1代的低氧敏感性初探

目的将G0代普通型Wistar大鼠筛选并传代,分别得到低氧敏感型和低氧耐受型G1代大鼠,初步探讨G1代大鼠和普通型大鼠的低氧敏感性差异。方法取200只Wistar大鼠(雌雄各半)作为G0代,置于氧浓度控制系统中,记录G0代大鼠在3%氧气体积分数下从放入至濒死的时间(即耐低氧时间)。挑选耐低氧时间最短的30只大鼠(雌雄各半)进行交配传代,得到G1代低氧敏感型大鼠;挑选耐低氧时间最长的30只大鼠(雌雄各半)进行交配传代,得到G1代低氧耐受型大鼠。另取24只普通型Wistar大鼠随机分为空白对照组和模型对照组,每组12只(雌雄各半)。空白对照组大鼠置于常氧环境,模型对照组大鼠、G1代低氧敏感型大鼠(即G1敏感组)和G1代低氧耐受型大鼠(即G1耐受组)一同置入低压低氧实验舱(模拟海拔5000 m环境),12 h后检测或观察血气、血常规、血生化、病理切片和低氧相关基因等指标,比较4组动物的低氧敏感性差异。结果与G0代普通型大鼠相比,G1代耐受型大鼠的耐低氧时间显著延长(P<0.01)。相比于模型对照组,G1耐受组大鼠的氧饱和度(oxygen saturation,SatO2)显著升高(P<0.05);G1敏感组大鼠的白细胞计数(white blood cell,WBC)、中性粒细胞计数(neutrophil,NEUT)、血红蛋白浓度(hemoglobin,HGB)、红细胞比容(hematocrit,HCT)、红细胞分布宽度(red blood cell distribution width,RDW)、血小板计数(platelet count,PLT)和肌酐(creatinine,Cr)水平显著升高(P<0.05或P<0.01),实际碳酸氢盐(actual bicarbonate,AB)含量显著降低(P<0.05),脑系数和肺系数显著升高(P<0.05)。此外,病理切片结果显示模型对照组、G1敏感组和G1耐受组大鼠的脑组织和肺组织均受到明显损伤,且3组大鼠脑组织中低氧诱导因子-1α(hypoxia-inducible factor-1α,HIF-1α)和血管内皮生长因子A(vascular endothelial growth factor A,VEGFA)基因的表达水平无显著差异(P>0.05)。结论相比普通型大鼠,G1代低氧敏感型/耐受型大鼠表现出良好的低氧敏感/耐受性状趋势,但仍需通过不断近交筛选传代来纯化并稳固性状。

Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Dietary d-Allulose and Medium-Chain Triglycerides in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

d-Allulose, a rare sugar, exerts anti-obesity effects by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and promoting energy expenditure. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) consist of three medium-chain fatty acids connected by glycerol. MCTs have been extensively investigated for their ability to reduce body fat accumulation. We previously investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of dietary d-allulose and MCT (5% - 13%) in rats;however, we could not confirm the anti-obesity effects of MCT or observed synergetic effects between d-allulose and MCT on body fat loss. We speculated that our previous studies were influenced by the excessive amount of MCT in the diets. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of the simultaneous intake of d-allulose and MCT in rats fed an obesity-inducing high-fat diet with a low amount of MCTs (2%). Thirty-two male Wistar rats (3-week-old) were randomly divided into four groups: control, d-allulose, MCT, and d-allulose + MCT groups. Rats in each group were fed ad libitum on a control (no d-Allulose or MCT), 5% d-allulose, 2% MCT, or 5% d-allulose + 2% MCT diets for 16 weeks. Abdominal adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in the d-allulose diet group than in the control group, whereas no differences were observed between results of the MCT-supplemented groups. The total body fat mass was significantly lower in the d-allulose and MCT diet groups than in the control group, but no differences were observed between the MCT-supplemented groups. These results suggested that anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose were observed, and the effects of dietary MCTs were weaker than those of d-allulose. Moreover, we confirmed the interaction between dietary d-allulose and MCT on indicators of obesity. Interestingly, their effects were not synergistic, as MCT supplementation offset the anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose. However, the specific mechanisms underlying those effects remain unknown, warranting further investigation.

Probiotic microorganisms affect the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide

Objective:To evaluate the protective effects of probiotic microorganisms on the reproductive and nervous systems of male rats treated with acrylamide.Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and received normal saline through gavage(control),acrylamide 20 mg/kg body weight,acrylamide plus probiotic microorganisms(Lactobacillus acidophilus,Lactobacillus casei,Lactobacillus bulgaricus,Lactobacillus rhamnosus,Bifidobacterium breve,Bifidobacterium infantis,Streptococcus thermophilus and fructooligosaccharides,all mixed in sachets)20 or 200 mg/kg body weight,respectively.After 30 days,the testis,prostate,seminal vesicle and cerebellum were removed,fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin(H&E).The Johnsen score was used to classify spermatogenesis.Cavalieri's principle method was used to evaluate the total volume(in mm3)of the testes.The number of each intratubular cell type as well as intertubular Leydig cells in whole samples was measured using the physical dissector counting techniques.Stereological analysis and the grids were used to determine the volume of cerebellar layers as well as the Purkinje cell number.Results:The testis weight decreased significantly in the acrylamide-treated group compared to the other groups(P<0.001).The number of spermatogonia,spermatocytes,spermatids and Leydig cells in the acrylamide-treated group were significantly less compared to the control group(P<0.05),while they were increased significantly in the acrylamide+200 mg/kg probiotic group(P<0.05;P<0.01).The mean Johnsen score in the acrylamide-treated group was lower than in the control group(P<0.001).Acrylamide-induced changes including congestion,vacuolization in the secretory epithelial cells,and epithelial rupture were observed in the prostate and seminal vesicle.The volumes of cerebellar layers were decreased in the acrylamide group compared to the control group while recovered in both probiotic treated groups.Conclusions:Probiotic microorganisms alleviate acrylamide-induced toxicities against the reproductive and cerebellar tissues in rats.

Effects of heat stress and long photoperiod on the prostate of rats

Objective:To examine light and heat effects on the morphological,histological,and micrometric structure of the prostate of rats.Methods:Thirty adult male rats were divided into three groups.The control group was kept under 20℃-22℃ and an artificial 12 h/12 h day/night cycle;the temperature group was under normal light and at(42±1)℃ heat for 4 to 5 h daily,and the light group was exposed to 8 h/16 h day/night cycle with 20℃-22℃.Rats were weighed five times(at the beginning of the study and every seven days).Five milliliters(mL)of their peripheral blood were taken.The tissue staining was performed using the hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)stain and periodic acid-Schiff(PAS).In the following,tissue and cellular reactions to the PAS were examined.Results:Folds were located entirely on the surface of the anterior lobe and periphery of the other lobes.The secretory units in the anterior lobe were more than the lateral lobe.A strong reaction of the secretory cells to the PAS was observed.Testosterone serum levels of the light group also significantly increased compared to the control group(P<0.05).The most histometric changes of the lobes were established in the lateral lobes.Heat stress resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone levels and transformed prostate tissue.The epithelium and parenchyma to scaffold ratio in the temperature group decreased.Conclusions:Maximum and minimum changes in the ventral lobe happened under the ascent of temperature and light,respectively.The ventral lobe in the study of prostatic hyperplasia should be more considered.

Hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in an experimental animal model

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic effects of hydrogel dressings on neurotrophic keratitis in rats.METHODS:Male Wistar rats,aged 42–56d,were randomly divided into control,experimental,and treatment groups,each consisting of five rats.The experimental and treatment groups underwent neurotrophic keratitis modeling in both eyes.After successful modeling,biomedical hydrogels formed with polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used in treatment group for 7d.Ocular irritation response and keratitis index scores,Schirmer’s test,tear film break-up time(BUT),sodium fluorescein staining,and hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.RESULTS:The neurotrophic keratitis model was successfully established in rats with severe ophthalmic nerve injury,characterized by keratitis,ocular irritation,reduced tear secretion measured by decreased BUT and Schirmer test values,corneal epithelial loss,and disorganized collagen fibers in the stromal layer.Following treatment with hydrogel dressings,significant improvements were observed in keratitis scores and ocular irritation symptoms in model eyes.Although the recovery of tear secretion,as measured by the Schirmer’s test,did not show statistical differences,BUT was significantly prolonged.Fluorescein staining confirmed a reduction in the extent of corneal epithelial loss after treatment.HE staining revealed the restoration of the structural disorder in both the epithelial and stromal layers to a certain extent.CONCLUSION:Hydrogel dressing reduces ocular surface irritation,improves tear film stability,and promotes the repair and restoration of damaged epithelial cells by maintaining a moist and clean environment on the ocular surface in the rat model.

Prophylactic Pattern Scanning Laser Retinal Photocoagulation for Diabetic Retinopathy in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Fatty Rats: Preliminary Experimental Results

Research Background and Purpose: The number of diabetic patients is rapidly increasing, making it crucial to find methods to prevent diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of blindness. We investigated the effects of prophylactic pattern scanning laser retinal photocoagulation on DR development in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats as a new prevention approach. Methods: Photocoagulation was applied to the right eyes of 8-week-old Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) fatty rats, with the left eyes serving as untreated controls. Electroretinography at 9 and 39 weeks of age and pathological examinations, including immunohistochemistry for vascular endothelial growth factor and glial fibrillary acidic protein at 24 and 40 weeks of age, were performed on both eyes. Results: There were no significant differences in amplitude and prolongation of the OP waves between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 39 weeks of age. Similarly, no significant differences in pathology and immunohistochemistry were observed between the right and left eyes in SDT fatty rats at 24 and 40 weeks of age. Conclusion: Prophylactic pattern scanning retinal laser photocoagulation did not affect the development of diabetic retinopathy in SDT fatty rats.

Effect of Mushroom Extract Hericium erinaceus on Spatial Memory and Morphology of Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 Regions of the Hippocampus in Ovariectomized Rats

Various studies indicate that low levels of estradiol negatively impact cognitive abilities. Extracts from the fungus Hericium erinaceus (HE) contain bioactive components that promote the proper functioning of the nervous system and potential effects on protection against neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and motor dysfunctions. The objective was to evaluate the effects of the administration of the HE mushroom extract on visuospatial memory and morphology of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. 40 young Wistar rats weighing 90 ± 10 g BW were used, which were distributed into four groups of 10 animals;Control Group, non-ovariectomized and untreated rats;Group E2, ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (2 μg/kg/body weight);Group HE, ovariectomized rats treated with the extract of the fungus Hericium erinaceus (0.5 mg/kg body weight) and Group Ovx/ST, ovariectomized rats, without treatment. The animals were tested in the Barnes and Open Field maze, then they were sacrificed, and their brains were obtained to perform a histological analysis of neuronal morphology in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus. The most outstanding results showed that the Ovx/ST group recorded the longest time to arrive at the escape box and stay in the Barnes maze. A correlation was observed between neuronal damage and function;in the groups that did not present satisfactory performance in the maze tests, morphological alterations were identified such as the presence of some neuronal somata with degeneration characteristics such as pyknosis, nuclear basophilia and shrinkage of the cells. Its soma, as well as a decrease in the nuclear area of CA1 and CA3 neurons. It is concluded that the fungus Hericium erinaceus exerted a neuroprotective effect on the neuronal bodies of the hippocampus, associated with better performance in the visuospatial recognition memory test.

Motivational and Methodological Factors Involved in the Helping Behavior Test in Laboratory Rodents

Empathy allows humans and other animals to share the emotional state of another, adopting that individual’s perspective on a given situation. This ability is fundamental for species living in groups. Helping behavior in laboratory animals has been used to study empathy. In this test, subjects are exposed to a conspecific that is trapped and learn to open the cage to release the other animal. However, the interpretation of helping behavior as an emphatically motivated action is still controversial. Here we review the studies that use the helping behavioral test proposed by Ben-Ami Bartal and colleagues in 2011 to better understand motivational factors for this behavior. In addition, we compare methodological aspects of these studies. In conclusion, helping behavior can be driven by empathy, but other factors such as the desire for social contact and learning components cannot be ruled out as motivators. In addition, studies focused on evaluating neurobiological mechanisms underlying helping behavior in laboratory rodents can help elucidate the factors involved in releasing the trapped co-specific.

Long Term Administration of Lannea acida Rich. (Anacardiaceae) Reverses the Imidacloprid-Induced Fertility Impairments in Adult Male Rat through Androgenic and Antioxidant Properties

Aim: The harmful effects of pesticides have been largely documented in recent times. But effective therapeutic solutions to pesticide related male infertility are yet to be established. This study investigated the curative effects of Lannea acida on imidacloprid (IMI)-induced hypofertility in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats of 150 – 200 g were administered IMI (22.5 mg/kg) for two weeks and partitioned into control (distilled water, vitamin E, clomiphene citrate) or test (aqueous (340 mg/kg), methanol (170 mg/kg) extract) groups for eight weeks treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment and samples were collected for sperm, antioxidant and hormonal analysis. Fertility tests were performed from treatment day 47 for fertility indices estimation. Results were expressed as mean ± SEM and one way ANOVA was applied using STATISTICA Software. Results: Exposition to IMI resulted in a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability and normality, testosterone and LH, coupled to an increase in oxidative stress markers. Moreover, IMI impaired male fertility evidenced by a significant drop in fertility index and litter size. Similar to clomiphene citrate and vitamin E, plant extracts significantly improved the sperm parameters, sexual hormones and decreased the oxidative stress markers. More importantly, the fertility index and litter size were restored, especially with the aqueous extract. Conclusion: Present results indicate that L. acida possesses curative potentials against IMI-induced hypofertility through its androgenic and antioxidant properties. However, the effects the extract on spermatozoa DNA structure and the fertility of offsprings from exposed parents are yet to be studied to conclude on total recovery from IMI toxicity.

Underlying anti-hypertensive mechanism of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis derived peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats via widely targeted kidney metabolomics

The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptide NCW derived from Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been demonstrated to have significant in vivo anti-hypertensive effects,however,its anti-hypertensive mechanism is still not fully clarified.This study established a UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted kidney metabolomics approach to explore the changes of kidney metabolic profiles and to clarify the antihypertensive mechanism of peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the kidney metabolic profiles were clearly separated between the SHR-NCW and SHRUntreated groups.A total of 85 metabolites were differentially regulated,and 16 metabolites were identified as potential kidney biomarkers,e.g.,3-hydroxybutyrate,malonic acid,deoxycytidine,and L-aspartic acid.The peptide NCW might regulate kidney metabolic disorder of SHRs to alleviate hypertension by suppressing inflammation and improving nitric oxide production under the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism,folate related pathways,synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies,pyrimidine metabolism,β-alanine metabolism,and retinal metabolism.

The water-soluble TF3 component from Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker promotes tibial fracture healing in rats by promoting osteoblast proliferation and angiogenesis

Objective:To determine the active components of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker(Tu Bie Chong)and explore the mechanisms underlying its fracture-healing ability.Methods: A modified Einhorn method was used to develop a rat tibial fracture model.Progression of bone healing was assessed using radiological methods.Safranin O/fast green and CD31 immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate the growth of bone cells and angiogenesis at the fracture site.Methylthiazoletetrazolium blue and wound healing assays were used to analyze cell viability and migration.The Transwell assay was used to explore the invasion capacity of the cells.Tubule formation assays were used to assess the angiogenesis capacity of human vascular endothelial cells(HUVECs).qRT-PCR was used to evaluate the changes in gene transcription levels.Results: Tu Bie Chong fraction 3(TF3)significantly shortened the fracture healing time in model rats.X-ray results showed that on day 14,fracture healing in the TF3 treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group(P=.0086).Tissue staining showed that cartilage growth and the number of H-shaped blood vessels at the fracture site of the TF3 treatment group were better than those of the control group.In vitro,TF3 significantly promoted the proliferation and wound healing of MC3T3-E1s and HUVECs(all P<.01).Transwell assays showed that TF3 promoted the migration of HUVECs,but inhibited the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells.Tubule formation experiments confirmed that TF3 markedly promoted the ability of vascular endothelial cells to form microtubules.Gene expression analysis revealed that TF3 significantly promoted the expression of VEGFA,SPOCD1,NGF,and NGFR in HUVECs.In MC3T3-E1 cells,the transcript levels of RUNX2 and COL2A1 were significantly elevated following TF3 treatment.Conclusion: TF3 promotes fracture healing by promoting bone regeneration associated with the RUNX2 pathway and angiogenesis associated with the VEGFA pathway.