Dose Trifolium pratense L. protect against development of fatty Streak in Coronary Arteries?

Phytoestrogens with a biological activity like estradiol are naturally found in many plants. This study was designed to investigate the effect of red clover [RC], a phytoestrogen-rich member of the legume family [Trifolium pratense L.] on the development of atherosclerosis in male hyperlipidemic rabbits. Twenty rabbits were semi-randomly distributed into four groups of five each. Two groups received either normal diet or normal diet supplemented with RC. Two other groups received similar diets to both of which 1% cholesterol was added. Dietary use of RC in hyperlipidemic rabbits significantly decreased C-reactive protein [CRP], triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] whereas, HDL - cholesterol [HDL-C] was significantly increased in those animals [p<0.05]. Fatty streak formation was also significantly lower in aorta and left and right coronary arteries in the same animals due to use of dietary RC supplementation. These findings suggest that dietary RC may reduce cardiovascular risk factors

[[Vital perfusion-fixation technique through carotid arteries for preparation of histologic sections from periodontium and jaw boneof dog]]

Adequate processing of tissues before histologic slices is necessary for preparation of proper histologic sections in animal studies. Fixation is one of the most important and early laboratory stages of tissue processing. Amount of penetration time of fixator material, into deep layers and central portions of hard tissues, is important factor for prevention of cell lysis. The purpose of vital perfusion technique is immediate and rapid fixation of tissue, before tissue lysis and necrosis. After general anesthesia, the common carotid artery and jugular vein were isolated through a vertical incision and dissection of muscles, in both sides of the neck. The carotid arteries, were clamped, then normal saline and 10 percent formalin were injected respectively, through one branole. While heart rate and respiration slowed down, the content of jaw vessels were normal saline and formalin. Oral rnucosa became completely pale and muscles got stiff. Formalin was observed in vessels and between tissues. The histologic sections had favorable quality. Signs of tissue lysis were not observed and small vessels were also empty from blood. The vital perfusion fixation technique from carotid arteries can make rapid fixation of the periodontal tissue and jaw bone of dog and prevent tissue changes. This method can facilitate other laboratory stages for preparation of histologic sections