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.

Comparative Study of Bovine Pericardium and Gore-Tex in Tissual Interaction with Wistar Rats Diaphragm

Introduction: Simple suture isn’t always possible in large congenital diaphragmatic hernia (cdh) defects. Synthetic materials are used for correction such as Silastic&reg, Gore-Tex&reg (GT), Teflon&reg or biological, such as autologous muscle patches. It was shown that bovine pericardium (bp) was effective to correct those large defects with many positive outcomes when compared with syntactic materials. Aim: This study aims to establish an experimental model of correction for large diaphragmatic defect with PB and GT patches to compare histologically the tissue interaction between them and diaphragm in young Wistar rats. Materials & Methods: 15 wistar rats were divided in 3 groups: Rats that used BP was named G1;Rats that used GT was named G2;and rats with only scraping in the diphragm, named G3 (control). Animals were submited to a laparotomy and fixed pathces to diaphragms and harvested 3 weeks later. Area between normal diaphragm and patches were isolated and separated for histological analysis, such as lymphocytic infiltration (inflammation), neovascularization and fibrosis. Results: G1 presented inflammation between BP and Diaphragm In 5 Samples. G2 Presented Neovascularization In 5 Samples, But No inflammation. Fibrotic tissue overlapping GT patches occurred in 3 samples in G2. Comparing G1 with G2 there was a significant statistical difference concerning inflammation (P = 0.0079), in G1. Comparing neovascularization there is no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. Fibrosis in both groups presented no significant statistical difference (P = 0.4444), despite a slight higher incidence in G2. There were no alterations in G3. Discussion: Despite the statistical difference in the inflammatory process was more frequent in G1 (P = 0.0079), neovascularization and fibrosis were more frequent in G2. Conclusion: The proposed experimental model was satisfactory to reproduce suture of patches in the diaphragm. These results suggests that inflammation, neovascularization and fibrosis indeed contribute to a benign healing process that reacts differently in each group but can drive to a more lasting and permanent results when biological patch is considered. Statistical report suggests that this study should be continued with a larger sample of animals and a wider period of time before harvest.

Modulation of antioxidant status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male wistar rats following intake of red palm oil and/or rooibos

Objective:To investigate the role of red palm oil(RPO),rooibos tea extract(RTE)and their combined treatment(RPO+RTE)on antioxidant status in streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single administration of streptozotocin(50 mg/kg)and the rats were treated for 7 weeks.Antioxidant enzymes[calalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GPx),superoxide dismutase(SOD)],antioxidant capacity[trolox equivalence antioxidant capacity(TEAC),oxygen radical absorbance capacity(ORAC)]as well as total protein,albumin,globulin,total glutathione,conjugated diene and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS)were investigated.Results:Treatment with RPO,RTE and RPO+RTE significantly(p>0.05)improved liver SOD and plasma ORAC in the diabetic rats.Similarly,diabetic rats treated with RTE and RPO+RTE enhanced liver GPx.A significant(P<0.05)increase in the plasma TBARS in the diabetic control group was observed when compared with the normal control group.Treatment of diabetic rats with RTE and RPO+RTE reduced plasma TBARS to a level not significantly different at P<0.05 from the normal control group.Conclusions:The results revealed the anti-oxidative potentials of red palm oil,rooibos and their combination in diabetic conditions and hence,they could be useful in the management of diabetes and its complications.

Effects of Total Flavonoids ofHippophae RhamnoidesL.on Intracellular Free Calciumin Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

To explore the effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. （TFH） quercetin （Que） and isorhamnetin （Isor） on the intracellular free calcium （[Ca^2＋]） in vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMC） of spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR） and Wistar-Kyoto rats （WKY）. Metheds： Fluo 3-acetoxymethylester（Fluo-3/AM） was used to observe the effects of TFH （100mg/L） and its essential monomers, namely Que （10^-4mol/L） and Isor （10^-4mol/L） on changes of [Ca^2＋]1 in cultured SHR and WKY VSMC （abbr. to Ca-SHR ＆ Ca-WKY） following exposure to high K^＋, norepinephrine （NE） and angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）, and to compare with the effects of verapamil （Ver）. Results： （1） TFH, Que and Isor had inhibitory effects on resting Ca-SHR （P〈0.05）, but had no significant effects on Ca-WKY （P〉0.05）. （2） High K^＋ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）; TFH, Que and Isor could inhibit the elevation of [Ca^2＋]1 induced by high K^＋ -depolarization, with the effects similar to that of Ver, and the effect on Ca-SHR was more significant than that on Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）. （3） NE and Ang Ⅱ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）, TFH, Que and Isor had remarkably inhibitory effect on the elevation of Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE or Ang Ⅱ. （4） In the absence of extracellular Ca^2＋ , TFH, Que and Isor also had certain inhibitory effect on Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE, and the effect on the former was more significant than that on the latter（P〈0.05）. Ceaclusiea： TFH, Que and Isor might decrease the levels of [Ca^2＋], in VSMCs by blocking both voltage-dependent calcium channels （VDC） and receptoroperated calcium channels （ROC） in physiological or pathological state, which may be one of the important mechanisms of their hypotensive and protective effects on target organs in patients with hypertension.

Protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 on Wistar rats with heart failure through the inhibition of inflammation and amelioration of intestinal micro- circulation

BackgroundMyocardial 梗塞(MI ) 多半贡献了心失败(HF ) 的增加的流行。由于减少的心脏的功能，内脏的血流动减少，引起在到肠的障碍的绒毛和损坏的局部缺血。heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1 ) 的正式就职能阻止，或减少应力和发炎的效果。因此，效果和有 HF 的老鼠的肠上的 HO-1 它的机制是有通过左冠的动脉的结扎的心失败的 investigated.MethodsMale Wistar 老鼠与 &#x0003c 的左室的喷射部分被识别；45% 通过 echocardiography 然后基于他们收到了的腹注射的类型划分了成各种各样的试验性的组[MI：盐；MI + 钴 protoporphyrin (CoPP ) ：CoPP 答案；并且 MI + 听 mesoporphyrin IX 二氯化物(简单网络管理协议) ：简单网络管理协议答案] 。没有冠的结扎，控制组由老鼠组成。Echocardiography 在结扎以后为一条基线和八个星期在结扎前被执行以便评估老鼠的心脏的功能。细菌的 translocation (BT ) 发生， mesenteric microcirculation，在静脉浆液的内毒素的数量， HO-1 的回肠层次，碳氧化物(公司) ，氮的氧化物(没有) ， interleukin (IL )-10, 瘤坏死 factor-&#x003b1；(TNF-&#x003b1；) ，并且在收到 MI + CoPP 注射的 operation.ResultsThe 老鼠在心脏的功能展出了恢复以后，回肠形态学八个星期被决定，在形态学的 mesenteric microcirculation 和变化的改善，更低的 BT 发生，在浆液的减小并且肠阻塞没有并且 TNF-&#x003b1；与 MI 相比的在肠阻塞的 HO-1，公司，和 interleukin-10 (IL-10 ) 的层次，和举起层次组织(P &#x0003c；0.05 ) 。收到了 MI + 简单网络管理协议注射的老鼠展出了对 MI 反的结果(P &#x0003c；0.05 ) group.ConclusionsHO-1 由通过 CO 小径禁止 microcirculation 的发炎和改善与 HF 在老鼠的肠上施加了保护的效果。这保护的效果能从心脏的功能的恢复是独立的。

Long-term spatial memory and morphological changes in hippocampus of Wistar rats exposed to smoke from Carica papaya leaves

Objective:To investigate the effects of smoking of dried leaves of Carica papaya(pawpaw)based on ethnopharmacological information which indicated that smoking of papaya leaves could influence motor performance and learning.Methods:Twenty-four rats were used for the study,and were grouped into four groups.Groups 1served as the control(not exposed to papaya leaves smoke),while Groups 2,3 and 4 were exposed to smoke from 6.25 g,12.50 g and 18.75 g of dry pawpaw leaves respectively in a smoking chamber twice daily for 21 d with each exposure lasting for 3 min.Lastly,hippocampus was harvested in each group for histological study.Result:The results showed that there were significant(P<0.05)increases in mean of recall latencies of long-term spatial memory in the animal administered the high dose while the other groups had significantly(P<0.05)lower frequencies.Histological investigation showed signs of mild neural degeneration in high dose group and hypochromic appcarance of the Nissl substance in all treated groups.Conclusions:In conclusion,the findings from this study has demonstrated that smoking of papaya leaves has the ability to maintain an intact long-term spatial memory at all doses but retrieving such memory is faster with the low and medium dosages.

Evaluation of Biochemical, Hematological and Histological Parameters in Non Diabetic and Diabetic Wistar Rats Fed with Monosodium Glutamate

The parenteral or oral administration of monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been reported to have a deleterious effect on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, which changes appetite control. This alteration in function may lead to obesity and disorders related to metabolic syndrome, such as alterations in carbohydrate metabolism (glucose and insulin resistance), dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluates the induction of metabolic alterations due to subchronic consumption of diets containing MSG at levels of 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0%. Initially the animals (newborn male Wistar rats) consumed the diets containing MSG for a period of 70 days. At the end of this period diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and the rats maintained on the same diets for additional 21 days. The induction of diabetes is based on the susceptibility of diabetic animals to metabolic disorders. Methods capable of evaluating the entire metabolic profile of the diabetic condition were used, including biochemical tests and tests able to detect alterations in the organs usually affected by this disease. It was concluded that the consumption of diets containing up to 5.0% MSG did not change the studied parameters for both: diabetic or non-diabetic animals. The alterations observed in the diabetic animals mainly reflected metabolic changes caused by the disease and were not related to the administration of MSG.

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.

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.

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. .

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.

Dry environment on the expression of lacrimal gland S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu in rats via proteomics

●AIM:To investigate the underlying mechanism of dry environment(autumn dryness)affecting the lacrimal glands in rats.●METHODS:Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups.The rats were fed in specific pathogen free environment as the control group(n=10),and the rats fed in dry environment as the dryness group(n=10).After 24d,lacrimal glands were collected from the rats.The tissues morphology was observed by hematoxylineosin(HE)staining.Tandem mass tags(TMT)quantitative proteomics analysis technology was used to screen the differential expressed proteins of lacrimal glands between the two groups,then bioinformatics analysis was performed.Further,the immunohistochemical(IHC)method was used to verify the target proteins.●RESULTS:In dryness group,the lacrimal glands lobule atrophied,the glandular cavities enlarged,the sparse nuclear distribution and scattered inflammatory infiltration between the acinus were observed.The proteomics exhibited that a total of 195 up-regulated and 236 downregulated differential expressed proteins screened from the lacrimal glands of rats.It was indicated that the biological processes(BP)of differential expressed proteins mainly included cell processes and single BP.The cellular compositions of differential expressed proteins mainly located in cells,organelles.The molecular functions of differential expressed proteins mainly included binding,catalytic activity.Moreover,the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis showed that the differential expressed proteins mainly involved lysosome,complement and coagulation cascade,and ribosome pathway.The IHC result verified that the up-regulated expression proteins of Protein S100A9(S100A9),Annexin A1(Anxa1),and Clusterin(Clu)in lacrimal glands of rats in dryness group were higher than control group.●CONCLUSION:The up-regulated expression proteins of S100A9,Anxa1,and Clu may be the potential mechanisms of dry eye symptoms caused by dry environment.This study provides clues of dry environments causing eye-related diseases for further studies.

Xuebijing improves intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats by regulating the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

BACKGROUND:This study aims to explore whether Xuebijing(XBJ) can improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in sepsis and its mechanism.METHODS:A rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).A total of 30 male SD rats were divided into four groups:sham group,CLP group,XBJ + axitinib group,and XBJ group.XBJ was intraperitoneally injected 2 h before CLP.Hemodynamic data(blood pressure and heart rate) were recorded.The intestinal microcirculation data of the rats were analyzed via microcirculation imaging.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits were used to detect the serum levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the rats.Histological analysis and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa in rats.The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGF-A),phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),and phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) in the small intestine was analyzed via Western blotting.RESULTS:XBJ improved intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats,alleviated the injury of small intestinal microvascular endothelial cells and small intestinal mucosa,and reduced the systemic inflammatory response.Moreover,XBJ upregulated the expression of VEGF-A,p-PI3K/total PI3K,and p-Akt/total Akt in the rat small intestine.CONCLUSION:XBJ may improve intestinal microcirculation dysfunction in septic rats possibly through the VEGF-A/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Curcumin alters motor coordination but not total number of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of adolescent male Wistar rats

OBJECTIVE： The present study aimed at coordination and the estimate of the total investigating the effects of curcumin on the motor number of cerebellar Purkinje cells of adolescent Wistar rats exposed to ethanol. METHODS： The total of 21 male Wistar rats aged 37 d old were divided into three groups, namely ethanol, ethanol-curcumin, and control groups. The ethanol group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and water given per oral; the ethanol-curcumin group received 1.5 g/kg ethanol injected intraperitoneally and curcumin extract given per oral; the control group received saline injection and oral water. The treatment was carried out daily for one month, after which the motor coordination performance of the rats was examined using revolving drum apparatus at test days 1, 8, and 15. The rats were finally sacrificed and the cerebellum of the rats was further processed for stereological analysis. The estimate of the total number of Purkinje cells was calculated using physical fractionator method. RESULTS： The ethanol-curcumin group performed better than both ethanol and control groups in the motor coordination ability at day 8 of testing （P〈 0.01）. No Purkinje cell loss was observed as a result of one month intraperitoneal injection of ethanol. CONCLUSION： Curcumin may exert beneficial effects on the motor coordination of adolescent rats exposed to ethanol via undetermined hormetic mechanisms.

Antidiabetic and haematological effect of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(Smith) on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Objective:To investigate the antidiabetic properties of aqueous extract of stem bark of Afzelia africana(A.africana)and its beneficial effect on haematological parameters in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.Methods:A total of 30 rats including 24 diabetic and 6 normal rats were used for this study.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin.After being confirmed diabetic,animals were orally treated with distilled water or extracts at 100 or 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 10 days.The haematological parameters including red blood and white blood cells and their functional indices were evaluated in diabetic treated groups compared with the controls.Results:The extract significantly reduced the blood glucose levels while the best result was obtained at 200 mg/kg body weight The feed and water intake in diabetic rats were significantly reduced while weight loss was minimized at both dosages.Similarly,the levels of red blood,white blood cells and their functional indices were significantly improved after extract administration at both doses.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of bark of A.africana possesses antihyperglycemic properties.In addition,the extract can prevent various complications of diabetes and improve some haematological parameters.Further experimental investigation is needed to exploit its relevant therapeutic effect to substantiate its ethnomedicinal usage.

Chemoprevention of tea on colorectal cancer induced by dimethylhydrazine in Wistar rats

AIM To investigate the chemopreventiveeffects of green tea and tea pigment on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine(DMH)-induced rat colorectalcarcinogenesis.METHODS Male weaning Wistar rats wererandomly allocated into four groups.Rats in thepositive control group were given s.c.injectionof DMH,once a week for ten weeks;rats in tea-treated groups,with the same DMH treatment asin the positive group,received 2% green tea and0.1% tea pigments;rats in the negative controlgroup were given s.c.injection of the samevolume of saline as well as DMH in the positivegroup.Animals were sacrified and necropsied atthe end of week 16 and week 32.RESULTS Aberrant cryptic foci(ACF)wereformed in animals in DMH-treated groups at theend of week 16.Compared to the DMH group,green tea and tea pigments groups had less ACF(148.25 and 204.25,respectively,P【0.01).Atthe end of week 32,all rats in DMH groupdeveloped large intestinal tumors.The resultsalso showed that DMH increased labeling index(LI)of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)of intestinal mucosa and the expression of ras-p21.However,in the tea-treated groups,PCNA-LI was significantly reduced as compared withthe positive control group(36.63 and 40.36 inthe green tea group and tea pigment group,respectively,at the end of the experiment,P【0.01).ras-p21 expression was alsosignificantly reduced(2.07 and 2.36 in the colontumors of rats in the green tea group and teapigments group,respectively at the end of theexperiment,P【0.01).Furthermore,green tea and tea pigment inhibited the expression of Bcl-2protein(2,5,1,0 and 2,4,1,0,respectively,at the end of the experiment P【0.01),andinduced expression of Bax protein(0,1,3,4and 0,1,4,3,respectively,P【0.01).CONCLUSION Chinese green tea drinkinginhibited ACF and colonic tumors formation inrats,which showed that tea had a significantchemopreventive effect on DMH-inducedcolorectal carcinogenesis.Such effects may bedue to suppression of cell proliferation andinduction of apoptosis in the intestinal crypts.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Helianthus Annus in Wistar rats

Objective:To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus L.(H.annus) in acclimatized Wistar rats.Methods:It was undertaken using the albumin induced paw edema model of inflammation as well as both the hotplate and tail immersion analgesic test methods.Doses of the extract tested in experimental rats were 0.5 g/kg,2 g/kg and 4 g/kg while negative and positive control rats received distilled water and indomethacin respectively.Results:It was shown that treatment with the tested doses of the extract effectively inhibited paw edema induced by egg albumin.This effect was comparable if not better than the observations made in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally.Treatment with the extract was also observed to have significantly increased the mean tolerance time of rats to thermal noxious stimuli compared to control animals that had distilled water and appeared to be more effective than 10 mg/kg of indomethacin treatment.Conclusions: These observations confirmed the presence of a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-noiciceptive activity in the ethanol extract of the leaves of H.annus and therefore validated the folkloric use of the leaves of this plant in treatment of pro-inflammatory,post traumatic situations.