Cardioprotective activity of polysaccharopeptides extracted from pleurotus ostreatus mycelium in a doxorubicin-rat model

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible abatement of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in the rat by polysaccharopeptides extracted from the culture broth of Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium. It was found that polysaccharopeptides given as protection before doxorubicin intoxication normalized the levels of serum total creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, in addition to malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the heart tissue. Nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were persistently reduced in the heart tissue, while interferon-gamma concentration was insignificantly changed, compared to controls. Light microscopic examination of haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the left ventricles showed normal structure of the cardiac myocytes, except for a slight but significant decrease in their thickness, compared to controls. Pretreatment with mycelial polysaccharopeptides provided a potential protective effect against doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress in rats

Effect of low iron diet on the frontal cortex of young albino rats. A light and electron microscopic study

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency disease. In early life it is associated with affection of the behavioral and motor development. Was to investigate the effect of low iron diet on the frontal cortex of young rats and to assess the possibility of recovery after using high iron diet. Forty two male albino rats [4 weeks age] were divided into 2 groups, group I considered as control group that was further subdivided into 3 subgroups, group II, was divided into 3 subgroups. Subgroup IIa, comprised animals that received low iron diet [4mg Fe/ kg diet] for 4 weeks. Subgroup IIb, received the low iron diet for 4 weeks then they were allowed high iron diet [70mg Fe/kg diet] for other 4 weeks. Subgroup IIc, received the low iron diet for 4 weeks, and then allowed the high iron diet for 8 weeks. The pyramidal cells of animals that received low iron diet showed nuclear and cytoplasmic changes. There was a highly significant increase in the number of pyramidal cells showing depletion of Nissl granules [chromatolysis]. Some of the synaptic sites showed distorted synaptic vesicles and absent mitochondria. The oligodendrocytes showed shrunken condensed nuclei and appeared to be surrounded by unmyelinated nerve fibers. The mean values of haemoglobin concentration in blood and serum ferritin were decreased. The pyramidal cells and oligodendrocytes of animals that received the high iron diet for 4 weeks after the low iron diet did not show a significant improvement. Intake of high iron diet for 8 weeks after the low iron diet resulted in marked improvement in the microscopical appearance of the frontal cortex of young rats and in the levels of blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin. Low iron diet in young age resulted in marked affection of the frontal cortex. Treatment by high iron diet is advised to be used for a long period to obtain a significant improvement

Histological study on the effect of garlic extract on the coronary arteries in male albino rat following high cholesterol diet

Twenty five male albino rats were used in the current study to evaluate the role of garlic extract in management of coronary artery changes that result on top of intake of high cholesterol diet. The animals were divided into 5 equal groups. Group I was a control group. Group II was given garlic extract orally. Group III allowed high cholesterol diet in the form of egg yolk. Group IV received garlic extract concomitantly with the high cholesterol diet [HCD]. Group V was given high cholesterol diet, then the diet was stopped and garlic extract was allowed for 2 weeks. After the end of the experiment the left side of the heart was dissected out. The specimens were possessed sections were cut and stained by H and E, aldehyde fuchsin and oil red-O stain. Blood samples were collected for measuring of blood cholesterol level. Following intake of high cholesterol diet accumulation of fat was observed in the intima and media. There was highly significant increase in the intimal and medial thickness. The internal elastic lamina was seen to be disorganized and discontinous in some areas. The endothelium of the intima showed localized areas of hyperplasia and there was adherence of blood elements to it. Giving garlic extract concomitantly with high cholesterol diet resulted in a histological picture of the coronary arteries more or less similar to that of the control group. When garlic was given after stopping of the high cholesterol diet, the histological picture of the coronary arteries did not show a significant improvement. In view of the previous results it could be concluded that garlic could be used as a protective agent against the changes produced by high cholesterol diet on the coronary arteries. It's role in treatment was not as that when used as a prophylactic measure

Effect of vitamin A on experimentally induced diabetic mucosal changes of buccal cavity of adult male albino rats. A light and electron microscopic study

Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by periodontal disease and several soft tissue lesions. Scientific and epidemiological data suggested a long synergy between nutrition and the integrity of the tissues of the oral cavity in health and disease. Forty two adult male albino rats were used in the current study in order to evaluate the role of vitamin A in treatment of diabetic changes in the mucous membrane of the cheek. The animals were divided into 2 major groups, a control [I] and an experimental group [II]. The experimental group was further divided into 4 equal subgroups. Subgroup IIa, was the diabetic subgroup. Subgroup IIb included diabetic rats that received insulin. Subgroup IIc was the diabetic subgroup that received vitamin A. Subgroup IId was formed of diabetic rats that received both insulin and vitamin A. Oral form of vitamin A [retinyl palmitate] was topically applied to the buccal cavity. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin. Diabetes in the present study resulted in cytoplasmic and nuclear changes in the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the cheek. The junctions between the cells showed dilated spaces. Areas of keratinization were observed between the epithelial cells, there was also patchy areas of loss of the superficial cells. The subepithelial connective tissue showed congested blood capillaries. Some of these changes were still observed in subgroup IIb that received insulin treatment alone. Topical application of retinyl palmitate together with insulin resulted in that the mucous membrane of the cheek showed a very similar picture to that of the control. In conclusion, the mucosa of the oral cavity was found to be greatly affected by diabetes mellitus. Insulin alone was not sufficient to treat these changes. Topical application of oral form of vitamin A together with insulin resulted in a marked improvement. It is recommended that diabetic patients have to use a mouth gargle or tooth paste to which oral form of vitamin A [retinyl palmitate] was added

Effect of water soluble soybean fiber [WSSF] on bone changes induced by ovariectomy in female albino rat. a light and scanning electron microscopic study

Ovarian hormone deficiency impairs Ca absorption and decreases bone mineral density. Osteoporosis and other modern diseases like cancer and coronary heart disease are thought to be associated with consumption of westernized food that is deficient in fiber. Soybean and soybean products are popular foods in Japan. The lower incidence of osteoporosis in Japanese women is attributed to the high intake of soybean products. Thirty five adult female albino rats were used in the current study to evaluate the role of water soluble soybean fiber [WSSF] in amelioration of bone changes that might result from ovariectomy [artificial menopause]. Animals were divided into 3 groups. Group I, served as a control group. Group II, comprised the Sham operated rats. Group III, was firmed of ovariectomized rats, and was further divided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup IIIa, comprised the ovariectomized rats that received ordinary standard diet. Subgroup IIIb, was composed of ovariectomized rats that received diet supplemented with WSSE. Ovariectomy in the present study resulted in a statistically highly significant reduction in the mean cortical and trabecular bone thickness. The periosteum shoved decreased cellularity. The mean number of osteoclasts was increased per high power field. Cortical bone demomostated few Haversian canals amid there was osteolysis in the core of bone trabeculae. The mean serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase enzyme were decreased. Diet enriched with WSSF ameliorated the structural and biochemical osteoporotic changes induced by ovariectomy. Dietary consumption of' WSSF was very effective in ameliorating the bone mineral loss that resulted from ovariectomy. So, it is recommended that WSSF is advised to be added to the diet in order to achieve a satisfactory bone quality after menopause

Histological and scanning electron microscopic study of the effect of cigarette smoke on the heart of male albino rats

Environmental tobacco smoke has been shown to cause heart diseases among non-smokers. Twenty one adult male albino rats were used to investigate the effect of cigarette smoke on the heart and to evaluate the possibility of recovery. Rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Rats of group I were considered as control Rats of group II were exposed to cigarette smoke for 4 weeks, while those of group III were exposed to cigarette smoke for 4 weeks then the exposure was stopped for another 4 weeks. Exposure to cigarette smoke resulted in affection of the coronaries. Some cardiac muscle fibers showed vacuolated cytoplasm, while other showed deeply stained acidophilic cytoplasm and psychotic nuclei. Scanning electron microscopic examination showed that some cardiac muscle fibers appeared necrotic with loss of their normal architecture. There was a decrease in succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity and in the antiapoptotic Bcl-x [L]protein expression. Stopping the exposure for 4 weeks showed that few cardiac muscle fibers were still affected. Areas of fibrosis were seen between the cardiac muscle fibers in Mallroy stained sections and in the scanning electron microscopic study. There was an increase in scenic dehydrogenase enzyme activity and in the Bcl-x[L] protein expression in the cardiac muscle fibers in group III- that was left for 4 weeks for recovery after 4 weeks of exposure to cigarette smoke- in comparison to those of group II, but was still less than those of the control It is concluded that cigarette smoke affected the cardiac muscle and some of its effects could not be reversible

Effect of muscular exercise on the skeletal muscles of hypothyroid young albino rats: a light and electron microscopic study

Intact thyroid axis and regular muscular exercise appear to be needed for normal muscular growth. Twenty eight young male albino rats were used in the present study to evaluate the effect of muscular exercise on the skeletal muscles of hypothyroid rats. Specimens were obtained from the gastrocnemius muscles. Animals were divided into 2 major groups. Group I served as a control group. Group II was the experimental group and was subdivided into subgroup IIa which was formed of hypothyroid rats and Subgroup IIb which was formed of hypothyroid rats that were subjected to muscular exercise in the form of swimming for 20 minutes /day for 15 days. Hypothyroidism was induced using carbimazole orally in a dose of 0.05mg/kgm for 15 consecutive days. Hypothyroidism resulted in marked affection of the gastrocnemius muscle. The muscle fibers were seen to be fragmented and contained pyknotic nuclei. There was a statistically highly significant reduction in the mean thickness of the muscle fibers. Glycogen granules were seen to be accumulated inside the muscle fibers. The gastrocnemius myofibrils appeared to be separated by wide gaps that were filled with glycogen. Muscular exercise in the form of swimming resulted in improvement of the muscle fibers of the gastrocnemius muscle. So regular muscular training is recommended in cases of hypothyroidism in young age for normal development of the skeletal muscles

Effect of high fiber diet on diabetic enteropathy in male albino rats histological, histochemical and sem study

Diet is an important factor in regulation of body physiological activities. High fiber diet affects functions of gastrointestinal tract. In the present work 56 male albino rats were used to investigate the effect of high fiber diet on the intestinal changes that might occur after induction of diabetes mellitus. Rats were divided into 2 major groups, including a non-diabetic group and a diabetic group. Animals were sacrificed on the 28th day of the experiment. H and E stained sections showed that in diabetic rats fed a fiber free diet there was a highly significant reduction in the height of villi and height of surface columnar epithelium. There was loss of the surface columnar cells especially near the tip of the villi. Some of the remaining cells showed pyknotic nuclei. The core of the villi showed edema and cellular infiltration. In diabetic rats fed on balanced diet, some villi began to show normal structure. Other villi were seen to be affected. Administration of high fiber diet to diabetic rats resulted in normal structural appearance of most of the villi. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity was markedly reduced in diabetic rats that received fiber free diet. Enzyme activity was regained in diabetic rats fed on high fiber diet. SEM showed deformed short villi with necrotic villous surface and irregular or lost microvilli, in diabetic rats fed a fiber free diet. Most of the villi were seen to be like those of the control group in diabetic rats that received high fiber diet. So high fiber diet played an important role in improving intestinal changes occuring on top of diabetes mellitus in male albino rats

comparative study of the possible protective role of vitamin E versus selenium on sodium arsenate induced nephropathy in male albino rats, histologicul and histochemical study

Drinking water contaminated by arsenic remains a major health problem. Selenium as a trace element and vitamin E have antioxidant properties and might be considered as protective elements. Forty-nine male albino rats were used in the present study to compare between the possible protective role of vitamin E versus selenium on sodium arsenate induced nephropathy. The animals were divided into 2 major groups, a control and an experimental group. Animals of the experimental group received sodium arsenate daily in a dose of 1 mg / kg / day. The experiment was conducted daily for 28 days. Animals were sacrificed; blood samples were obtained to measure the level of urea and creatinine. Kidney specimens were dissected, processed and examined histologically and histochemically. In animals of subgroup IIa which received sodium arsenate some glomeruli were seen to be congested, others showed atrophy of the glomerular tuft of capillaries. The cytoplasm of some of the cells lining the tubules showed vacuolations with ill-defined nuclei. Some renal tubules were seen to be dilated. Areas of congestion were demonstrated between the tubules in the cortex and medulla. There was highly significant increase in the mean value of the percentage of tubular damage. PAS stained sections showed localized thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, basement membrane of Bowman's capsule and that of the tubules. Mallory stained sections showed increased collagen fibers around the glomerular capillaries and in the interstitial tissue of the kidney. Decreased succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity was observed in the cytoplasm of the renal tubules. Also there was reduction of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity at the brush border of the PCTs. Urea and creatinine were highly significantly increased. In subgroup IIb animals which received sodium arsenate together with vitamin E, many of the nephrons showed similar picture to that of subgroup IIa which received sodium arsenate alone. While subgroup IIc animals which received sodium arsenate together with selenium showed similar histological, histochemical and biochemical results as those of the control. It is concluded that selenium showed more protective effect than vitamin E on arsenic induced nephropathy