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.

Development of Wistar rat model of insulin resistance

AIM: To establish a simplified and reliable animal model of insulin resistance with low cost in Wistar rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were treated with a high fat emulsion by ig for 10 d. Changes of the diets, drinking and body weight were monitored every day and insulin resistance was evaluated by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemicclamp techniques and short insulin tolerance test using capillary blood glucose. Morphologic changes of liver, fat, skeletal muscles, and pancreatic islets were assessed under light microscope. mRNA expressions of GLUT2 and α-glucosidase in small intestine epithelium, GLUT4 in skeletal muscles and Kir6.2 in beta cell of islets were determined by in situ hybridization.RESULTS: KITT was smaller in treated animals (4.5±0.9)than in untreated control Wistar rats (6.8±1.5), and so was glucose injection rate. Both adipocyte hypertrophy and large pancreatic islets were seen in high fat fed rats,but no changes of skeletal muscles and livers wereobserved. mRNA levels of GLUT2, α-glucosidase in small intestinal epithelium and Kir6.2 mRNA in beta cells of islets increased, whereas that of GLUT4 in skeletal muscles decreased in high fat fed group compared with normal control group.CONCLUSION: An insulin resistance animal model in Wistar rats is established by ig special fat emulsion.

Chronic morphine drinking establishes morphine tolerance, but not addiction in Wistar rats

Objective： Some animal models apply morphine in the drinking water to generate addiction, but related reports are not free of conflicting results. Accordingly, this study aimed to figure out if chronic consumption of morphine in the drinking water can induce morphine addiction in Wistar rats. Methods： For 3 weeks, the animals received a daily morphine dose of 35 mg/kg by offering a calculated volume of sugar water （5% sucrose） with morphine （0. l mg/ml） to each rat; animals receiving just sugar water served as controls. Immediately after the treatment phase, the tail immersion test was used to check for morphine tolerance, and all animals were then kept on tap water for one week （withdrawal phase）. Afterwards, all rats were allowed to choose their drinking source by offering two bottles, containing sugar water without and with morphine, simultaneously for two days （preference phase）. Results： While the chronic consumption of morphine led to a reduction in body weight and to morphine tolerance, the morphine-treated Wistar rats did not show any preference for the opiate-containing sugar water. Conclusion： Body weight loss and tolerance do not reveal a condition of drug craving, and current animal models should be re-evaluated regarding their potential to establish morphine addicted animals.

The 9L^(LUC)/Wistar rat glioma model is not suitable for immunotherapy

The availability of a well-characterized animal brain tumor model will play an important role in identifying treatments for human brain tumors. Wistar rats bearing 9L glioma cells can develop solid, well-circumcised tumors, and may be a useful animal model for the evaluation of various therapeutic approaches for gliosarcomas. In this study, the 9L/Wistar rat glioma model was produced by intracerebral implantation of 9L^LUC glioma cells syngenic to Fischer 344 （F344） rats. Bioluminescence imaging showed that tumors progressively grew from day 7 to day 21 in 9L^LUC/F344 rats, and tumor regression was found in some 9L^LUC/Wistar rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining verified that intracranial tumors were gliomas. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that no CD4- and CD8-positive cells were found in the syngeneic 9L^LUC/F344 model. However, many infiltrating CD4- and CD8-positive cells were observed within the tumors of the 9L^LUC/Wistar model. Our data suggests that compared with 9L/F344 rats, 9L glioma Wistar rats may not be suitable for evaluating brain glioma immunotherapies, even though the model induced an immune response and exhibited tumor regression.

Molsidomine ameliorates diabetic peripheral neuropathy complications in Wistar rats

Diabetic neuropathy is a disorder which affects various regions of the nervous sys-tem and there is no specific treatment available for it.So,the present study eval-uated protective effect of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy in rats.Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by administrating streptozotocin(52 mg/kg i.p).Diabetic rats were administered with molsidomine 5 mg/kg p.o,and 10mg/kg p.o.as treatment.After 8 weeks of treatment,Motor coordination,Mechanical allodynia,Mechanical hyperalgesia,Nerve conduction velocity,Glycosylated hemoglobin were assessed.Thereafter animals were sacrificed and sciatic nerve was isolated.It was used for reduced glutathione,lipid peroxidation and for histopathology.Treatment with molsidomine significantly improved motor coordination,paw withdrawal threshold,mechanical threshold and nerve conduction velocity.Furthermore,mol-sidomine treatment also reduced malondialdehyde levels and prevented depletion of reduced glutathione in sciatic nerve homogenate.Histopathology shows molsid-omine treatment maintained normal architecture of sciatic nerve.The results of our study strengthens the alterative use of molsidomine in diabetic neuropathy.

Acute and subchronic toxicity of hydroxylammonium nitrate in Wistar rats

Hydroxylammonium nitrate(HAN) is a major constituent in a class of liquid monopropellants and is extensively used in nuclear industry and space propulsion.Previous toxicological studies have focused on oral,inhalation and dermal routes of exposure to HAN-based propellant blends.In this study,acute and subchronic toxicity of HAN in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injections were evaluated.In this acute study,doses of HAN at 115,125,135,147,160 or 174 mg/kg were administered.No adverse effects were observed during a 14-day period and at gross histopathological examination.In the subchronic study,HAN at 7,14 or 28 mg/kg were administered for 13 weeks.The treatment with HAN caused significant changes in the weight of spleen,in the level of hematological parameters,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,uric acid and carbondioxidecombining power and histopathological damages of the lung,liver,spleen and kidney.Overall,the study suggests that 13-week HAN treatment caused abnormal hematological changes and tissue lesions,and the risk of toxicity to mammals is not negligible.

Evaluation of Anti-Hyperglycemic and Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activities of Water Kefir as Probiotic on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a predominant chronic disease which causes mortality of millions of people yearly. Its prevalence is on the rise worldwide. Water kefir is fermented food produced by a matrix of polysaccharides containing bacteria and yeasts, with therapeutic properties. Our study aimed to evaluate anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities of water kefir on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Adult Wistar rats were made diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, and were given or not kefir in drinking water for 5 weeks. Body weight, glucose and lipid levels were measured. The results demonstrated evident improvement in body weight, glucose, and lipid profiles of treated rats comparing with diabetic or control rats. Water kefir is found to be less cost hypoglycemic and hypolipidimic treatment and less time consuming. Water kefir can potentially be useful food for diabetes to control glucose and lipid levels.

The Effects of Cupping Therapy on Skin’s Biomechanical Properties in Wistar Rats

Cupping therapy has been widely used for clinical treatment of soft tissue lesions. The current study investigated the effects of cupping therapy on biomechanical properties of the skin in Wistar rats. 20 rats were divided into two groups: 10 in experimental and 10 in control group. Either the right or the left lower quadrants of the lumbar regions in the experimental group underwent 10 minutes daily cupping therapy for 12 days. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength of all the rats were measured using tensiometer. The skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength were decreased significantly in cupping side of the experimental group as compared with the non-cupping side and the control group. There were no significant differences between the non-cupping side of the experimental group and the control group. In conclusion, cupping therapy can be useful as a treatment method to reduce the skin stiffness and ultimate tensile strength.

Adansonia digitata aqueous leaf extract ameliorates dexamethasone-induced testicular injury in male Wistar rats

Objective:To evaluate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Adansonia(A.)digitata L on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in male Wistar rats.Methods:Twenty adult male Wistar rats weighing 170-190 g were divided into four groups.GroupⅠreceived 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 28 days and served as the normal control group;groupⅡreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone(a synthetic glucocorticoid)intraperitoneally for 7 days and 0.5 mL of phosphate buffer orally for 21 days,groupⅢreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 800 mg/kg of A.digitata extract orally for 21 days;groupⅣreceived 10 mg/kg of dexamethasone for 7 days and 300 mg/kg of vitamin-E orally for 21 days.Dexamethasone was administered intra-peritoneally for 7 days and all administration lasted for 28 days.The rats were sacrificed by anesthesia with diethyl ether and the testes of each animal were harvested.The testis was homogenized in 0.25 M sucrose at 4℃for biochemical and histological analyses.Results:Administration of dexamethasone significantly decreased body weight,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PDH),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)(P<0.05),and significantly increased malondialdehyde(MDA)activities(P<0.05).The degeneration in the population of spermatogonia and vacuolation and abnormal widening of the interstitial spaces were observed in the rats treated with dexamethasone.However,administration of A.digitata significantly increased SOD,GPx,G6PDH,and LDH levels,significantly decreased MDA activities and improved the histoarchitecture of the testis(P<0.05).Conclusions:A.digitata may have an ameliorative effect on dexamethasone-induced testicular damage in Wistar rats because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Anesthesia protocol for ear surgery in Wistar rats(animal research)

Objective:To formulate an anesthesia protocol for safe and satisfactory anesthesia for ear surgery in rats.Methods:The rats were anesthetized with xylazine(10 mg/kg body weight)and keta-mine at doses of 80,50,40,and 30 mg/kg body weight or with isoflurane anesthesia(2%-3.5%in 100%oxygen;maintenance dose 1.5%-3.5%).The anesthesia induction,surgery,and recovery time were recorded.Results:In total,17 rats were induced by varying doses of ketamine-xylazine and 28 rats with isoflurane.Mean induction time with ketamine-xylazine was 6±2.9 min compared with 3.8±1.1 min with isoflurane.Mean recovery time with ketamine-xylazine was 142.6±49.3 min compared with 4.1±1.2 min with isoflurane.A mortal-ity of 4 animals after developing dyspnea was recorded with ketamine-xylazine.Conclusion:Isoflurane anesthesia offers appropriate induction and recovery times and low mortality rates for the surgeries performed.Isoflurane anesthesia offers reli-able results for ear surgery in rats.However,more equipment and technical skills are needed.

Histological Patterns of Neurodegeneration of Frontal Cortex Neurons in Datura stramonium Treated Wistar Rats

Aim: Datura stramonium (DS) is a known hallucinogen and depressant of the central nervous system, but it is commonly used in alcoholic beverages to increase intoxication. Pharmacological, physiological and ultra-structural studies have demonstrated the neurotoxicity of this drug inanimals and humans at high doses. The present study investigated the histological patterns of neurodegeneration of frontal cortex (FC) neurons in Wistar rats treated with high doses of DS seed extract. Materials and methods: Ethanolic extract of DS dried seeds was diluted in normal saline and administered to male and female Wistar rats weighing 200 g - 250 g. The animals were first placed in three groups which were further sub-divided into four sub-groups. The treated sub-groups received intraperitoneal administration (i.p.) of 750 mg/kg of diluted DS seed extract once daily in group 1, twice daily (1500 mg/kg/day) in group 2 and thrice daily (2250 mg/kg/day) in group 3. The treatment was carried out for 4 weeks while the control groups received normal saline during the same period. The rats were euthanized and sections of the frontal cortices of the brain were histologically processed from all groups. Silver impregnation stain for degenerating axons and neurons was used to elucidate the pattern of degeneration induced by DS seed extract on the neurons of the FC. Results: The results of intraperitoneal administration of DS extract showed no changes in groups 1 & 2 treated rats while group 3 showed a significant pattern of histological changes like axonal atrophy, vacuolization and neuronal deaths in the frontal cortices neurons compared to the controls. Conclusion: DS may have a specific pattern of neurodegeneration at higher doses of administration. This could provide a useful model in understanding how DS intoxication can affect frontal cortex neurons with an implication of neurological disorders, mental diseases and behavioural deficits.

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.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Quinapyramine Sulphate with Freund＇s Complete Adjuvant in Wistar Rats Infected with Trypanosoma Congolense

Therapeutic efficacy of QS （quinapyramine sulphate） and FCA （Freund＇s complete adjuvant） combination was studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of QS using FCA in Trypanosorna congolense infection. GrouPs treated with QS and FCA had parasite disappeared in peripheral circulation 2 days pi, relapse was observed one week later. Effect of treatment on rectal temperature shows no significance （p 〈 0.05）, normalization of rectal temperature occurred in QS and FCA treated groups （34.1℃） than untreated （42.8 ℃）, QS （37.4 ℃） and FCA （35.92 ℃） treated groups. Mean body weight was significant （p 〈 0.001） in QS and FCA, QS, and FCA groups. Packed cell volume and hemoglobin concentration for untreated groups were lower, but increased in QS, FCA, QS and FCA treated groups, indicating anemia amelioration. White blood cell counted in untreated, QS and FCA treated groups showed no significance （p 〈 0.05）, however, there was leukocytosis due to lymphocytosis in QS and FCA treated group （6.79 × 10^3/μl） compared with untreated and other groups. There was comparative decrease in serum liver enzymes in QS and FCA treated group than other groups. Therefore, QS at lower recommended dose with FCA may enhance efficacy of QS in trypanosomiasis.

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.

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.

Evaluation of naproxen-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and in-vivo genotoxicity in male Wistar rats

Naproxen(NP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug(NSAID), is used for the treatment of common pain, inflammation and tissue damage. Genotoxicity testing of NP is of prime importance as it represents the largest group of drugs to which humans are exposed. Not many genotoxic studies are reported on NP;therefore, the present study investigated the detailed genotoxic and oxidative stress properties of NP.Male Wistar rats were administered NP orally at the doses of 38.91 and 65.78 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Reduced glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and lipid peroxidation(LPO) activities/levels were measured in the liver, kidney and brain tissues. The aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activities, and total bilirubin(TBIL) levels were measured in the liver tissues. Micronucleus frequency(micronucleus test MNT)and DNA damage(comet assay) were performed in the bone marrow cells and leukocytes, respectively.The results showed that NP treatment decreased the GSH levels and increased the SOD, CAT, LPO, ALT,AST, ALP and TBIL activities/levels compared to the control(p o 0.05). Results of MNT showed an increased micronucleus induction and comet assay showed a significant increase in DNA damage in the NP treated animals(p o 0.05). Treatment of NP resulted in the biochemical imbalance and induced oxidative stress that deteriorated the integrity of the cells, which caused significant damage to the genetic material and affected liver function in male Wistar rats. Therefore, NP is a potential genotoxic agent that induces genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

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.

The Anti-Diabetic Potential of Thermally Treated Garlic, Turmeric, and Ginger in Pre-Diabetic Male Wistar Rat Model

Spices (turmeric (T), ginger (GI), and garlic (GA) (TGG)) have been used for centuries for food preservation, flavors, and medicinal properties. Research suggests that TGG contain potent antioxidants that may prevent and/or delay chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Heat treatment of spices may potentially increase antioxidative activity by modifying the inherent chemical structure of potent antioxidative compounds in spices. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-diabetic potential of thermally treated TGG on Wistar male rats. Two-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 8 groups (N = 24, n = 3) including control AIN-93G Diet (C) and high fat (HFD) and high sugar (HS) (glucose 10%) diet and treatment HFD/HS diets containing T, GA, GI (1% and 2%) singly for 11 weeks. Weekly feed intake, body weight, and blood glucose levels were recorded. Rats were sacrificed at 13 wks. by CO2 asphyxiation. Liver, pancreas, adipose (thigh), cecum, femur, urine, and serum samples were collected for quantitative determination of detoxification and antioxidative enzyme analysis, bone mineralization, and cholesterol using standard protocol. Of spice-incorporated diets, rats fed turmeric (1%) exhibited the lowest reduction in blood glucose levels at 90 mg/dL compared to the control 58 mg/dL. Additionally rats fed TGG at both concentrations resulted in an induction of antioxidant (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme (GPx) activity with significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher levels compared to the control. Serum total cholesterol levels were lower in spice-incorporated diets compared to control HFD/HS fed rats. Therefore, the use of thermal application on spices presents promise in potentiating the antioxidant effects and thereby their potential health promoting properties.

Effects of <i>Pereskia aculeata</i>Miller on the Biochemical Profiles and Body Composition of Wistar Rats

Pereskia aculeata Miller commonly known as “ora-pro-nobis” has been used extensively in folclore medicine. Plant belongs to the family Cactacea and it is found in the Brazil (reaching Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul states). The purpose was to evaluate the effects of plant on biochemical and corporal profiles of Wistar rats. The 80 animals were divided randomly into 4 groups by sex (n = 10 females and 10 males per group) as follows: G1 group (water/rat food ad libitum);G2 group (drink A: commercial condensed milk, sugar and water/rat food ad libitum);G3 group (drink B: P. aculeata juice/rat food ad libitum);G4 group (drink C: commercial condensed milk, sugar and P. aculeate juice/rat food ad libitum). After 35 days their biochemical and corporal profiles were analyzed (cholesterol, glycemia, triglycerides, HDL-c, AST, ALT, Lee Index, weight and visceral fat). Intake of the plant caused no changes in the lipid profile of Wistar rats. However, intake in male rats of the same prevented the increase in triglycerides front of a hypercaloric diet. There were significant changes in glycemic index due to the high carbohydrate content of the plant. The plant was effective in reducing the levels of AST and ALT in male rats and ALT only in females. The use of the plant did not cause significant changes in the index of Lee but the Pereskia aculeata Miller may reduce visceral fat gain in female with a regular diet.

Effect of Sodium Metabisulphite on Blood Metabolic Status of Wistar Rats

The objective of this work was to determine the sodium metabisulphite (NaMBS) subchronic toxicity used as a food additive in Algeria. Three groups of female Wistar rats were treated with 0.25%, 1% and 4% of NaMBS in their drinking water for 90 days. An immunization protocol was conducted during the experiment. Mortality, comportmental and weight modifications, and food and water consumption were recorded. At the end of the experiment, the control and experiment rats were killed, and their blood and organs were removed. Immunoglobulin levels were evaluated;biochemical and hematological parameters were investigated. Our results showed that the administration of NaMBS at 1% and 4% had significant effects on body weight, food and water consumed. There was an increase in biochemical parameters (calcium, urea, creatinine, uric acid, transaminases) and decrease immunoglobulin levels. The hematology revealed a decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin, as well as leucocytosis. Physiological study showed enlarged spleen, kidney, liver and stomach. In light of our results, we can conclude that subchronic intake of NaMBS 1% and 4% seems to alter immune function, biochemical, hematological and physiological para-meters in Wistar rats.