[Interactions between Matricaria recutita and cisplatin on PTZ-induced seizure threshold in mice]

Studies have shown that chamomile contains significant amounts of essential amino acids and flavonoids. Moreover, the neuropathic effects of cisplatin have been reported in humans and different animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita and cisplatin using the standard method of chemical seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole [PTZ] in mice. In this experimental study, 32 male mice were randomly selected into 4 groups [n=8 per group]. First group received normal saline; second group received Matricaria recutita hydroalcoholic extract [200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally]; third group received cisplatin [2 mg/kg, intravenously] and the fourth group hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita plus cisplatin, thereafter, the seizure threshold was determined for each group. The results of this study showed that PTZ-induced seizure threshold in control mice was 35.86 +/- 1.67 mg/kg and chamomile hydroalcoholic extract significantly increased the PTZ seizure threshold [P<0.0001], while seizure threshold in the cisplatin group significantly decreased [P<0.0001]. Moreover, simultaneous use of Matricaria recutita extract and cisplatin caused significant increase of seizure threshold [P<0.0001] in cisplatin taking group. Considering the existence of several types of antioxidants and flavonoids in Matricaria recutita that have antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects, the plant can be used to reduce the neuropathic effects of cisplatin

[Effect of methanolic soy extract on serum levels of lipid and lipoproteins in ovariectomized rats]

Disorders in lipid metabolism and increases of serum lipid and lipoprotein levels have been associated with postmenopausal complications. Some studies have demonstrated that isoflavones and soy proteins could have useful effects on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels; however, there are a few reports about the effects of total soy extract on serum lipid and lipoproteins. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of methanolic soy extract on serum levels of lipid and lipoproteins in ovariectomized rat. In this study 40 female rats were allocated randomly into 4 equal groups: 1] sham; 2] ovariectomized; 3] treatment and 4] control-gavage. The animals in treatment group received 60 mg/kg soy extract in drinking water using gavage for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL were determined. Results showed that administration of total soy extract can improve the serum concentrations of lipid and lipoproteins in treatment group. Moreover, the study revealed a significant difference between the sham group and the other groups in serum concentrations of VLDL and triglyceride [P<0.05]. Soy extract administration can have a positive effect on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in ovariectomized rats

effect of tomato and tomato paste supplementation on the serum lipids and lipoproteins levels in rats fed with high cholesterol diet

Scientists have shown that consumption of antioxidants can reduce hypercholesterolemia including fruit and vegetables. This study aims to compare the effect of tomato and tomato paste supplementation on the level of serum lipids and lipoproteins in rats fed with high cholesterol diet. Four groups of rats [10 male rats per group] were enrolled. Control group received basal diet, second group received basal diet and 2% cholesterol [Chol group], third and forth groups received basal diet, 2% cholesterol, tomato and tomato paste respectively [20% of the diet] for a month. Then, serum total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL] and triglyceride [TG] were measured. In Chol group, all lipids except HDL significantly increased compared with the control group. Tomato and tomato paste supplementation decreased TC, LDL and TG levels significantly compared to the Chol group. Tomato paste could decrease lipid levels more in comparison to tomato. Decreases of TC, LDL and TG may be related to tomato antioxidant effects. This finding in human still requires more investigations

[Effect of Losartan on apoptosis in renal tissue after unilateral ureteral obstruction in rats]

Obstructive uropathy can be used to indicate any obstruction to urinary flow. Losartan is angiotensin II receptor I [AT1] antagonist and is used for treatment of congestive heart failure and hypertension. It is widely recognized that Losartan has organ protective nature and most effective for organ damage progressing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Losartan on apoptosis in renal tissue after unilateral ureteral obstruction in rat. In this experimental study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups [ten rats in each group] as follows: [1] control; [2] unilateral ureteral obstruction [UUO]; [3] UUO/Losartan [UUO/LOS]; [4] Sham-operated; [5] Sham/LOS. Control animals received drug solvent. Unilateral ureteral obstruction was performed in groups 2 and 3 and sham operations were performed in groups 4 and 5. In group 2, animals received drug solvent and in group 3 animals received Losartan [60 mg/kg]. All drugs administered orally for 15 days [started before operation]. Apoptosis in renal tissue were studied in left renal in different groups with tunnel method at day 14. Tunnel staining determined that experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction caused induction of apoptosis [15.52 +/- 1.33] in tubular cells of renal tissue but, in Losartan treated animals number of apoptotic cells [5.24 +/- 0.93] significantly [p<0.05] decreased. There was no significant difference between control [0.91 +/- 0.26], sham [1.17 +/- 0.29] and sham/LOS [2.16 +/- 0.47] groups. Our results showed that experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction induces apoptosis in renal tissue but, Losartan administration decreased the number of apoptotic cells in renal tissue

[Study of apoptosis in epididymal tissue after unilateral experimental cryptorchidism in adult male rat]

In most mammalian species, the temperature of the testis is a few degrees lower than abdominal temperature, and this cooler temperature has been shown to be essential to maintain an optimal environment for spermatogenesis and sperm fertility. The aim of this study was to assess apoptosis in epididymal tissue after unilateral experimental cryptorchidism in adult male rat. In this experimental study, adult male wistar rats [200-250 gr] were divided into 15 groups of 8 animals each. Seven groups became unilaterally experimental cryptorchidism by fixation of right testis to abdomen wall. The epididymis [head, body and tail] of seven experimental groups was dissected 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 30 and 60 days after operation, respectively. In 8th to 14th groups, as a sham after incision, testis were replaced from scrotum to abdominal cavity and then returned to scrotum. 15th group, as a control group, didn't receive any operation. After sampling and fixation in saline formalin 10%, tissue processing and preparing histological section and staining with tunnel method, apoptosis were studied. Tunnel staining showed apoptosis in epithelial cells of epididyms in groups with experimental cryptorchidism. Peak of apoptotic cells was observed in 3 and 6 days after operation. There were no significant changes between sham and control groups. Our results showed that experimental cryptorchidism induces apoptosis probably via heat and oxidative stress in the epididymal epithelial cells