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Objective: To isolate and identify the polyphenolic constituents of Dypsis lutescens, and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves. Methods: Hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of two doses of Dypsis lutescens ethanolic leaf extract were investigated in five groups of six rats each administered with the ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves. Liver function parameters were assessed, histopathological study was carried out, the anti-inflammatory mediators and the antioxidant potential in the liver tissues were evaluated. In addition, the total ethanolic extract of Dypsis lutescens leaves was subjected to different chromatographic separation techniques to yield ten phenolic compounds. The isolated compounds structures were spectroscopically elucidated. Results: Hepatoprotective activity of Dypsis lutescens ethanolic extract was estimated for the first time and showed significant activity against histopathological changes induced by D-galactosamine in liver. The extract improved the liver functions. Compared to the D-galactosamine group, the architecture of the liver in the treated groups was improved in the histopathological examination. These results proved the hepatoprotective activity of Dypsis lutescens and its ability in attenuating liver oxidative damage and inflammation. Phytochemical investigations of the total extract afforded ten compounds from the genus Dypsis. Conclusions: The alcoholic extract of Dypsis lutescens exerted potential hepatoprotective action, maintaining liver health and functions.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: macrolide antibiotics are a class of potent and well established antimicrobials that also possess anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory properties. Because of their size, lower levels of macrolides are able to reach the developing fetuses
Materials and method: the pregnant rats were orally administered with clarithromycin at early and late gestational periods. The 20 day-old fetuses were dissected for excision of the kidney. Half of the kidney was processed and stained with H and E, PAS, Masson's trichrome and Feulgen techniques then followed by morphometric measurements and statistical study. The other half of the kidney was preserved for DNA fragmentation assay.Results: This study revealed that clarithromycin administration to pregnant rats showed different histopathological, histochemical and DNA changes in the kidneys of their fetuses
Conclusion: Administration of the antimicrobial agent; clarithromycin at early and late gestational periods exhibits nephrotoxicity in the developing fetuses
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Kidney/drug effects , DNA/drug effects , Rats , Fetus , Anti-Infective AgentsABSTRACT
Background: clarithromycin is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic, exhibits broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes. Macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics that inhibit protein biosynthesis via reversible binding to the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit. Macrolides are able to cross placenta and reach the fetus
Aim of the work: the present study is focused on evaluating the effects of antimicrobial drug, clarithromycin on the kidneys of pregnant rats
Material and methods: clarithromycin is orally given to the treated groups of the pregnant rats once daily at different periods of gestation by gastric tube at a dose of 45 mg/kg/day. The excised kidneys were dissected, processed and stained with H and E, PAS, Masson's trichrome, Feulgen reaction and anti-CD68 immunohistochemical stain then followed by morphometric measurements and statistical analysis. The kidneys were also preserved for DNA fragmentation assay
Results: this study revealed that clarithromycin administration especially to pregnant rats showed different histopathological and histochemical changes in kidney tissues and cellular DNA. Also immunohistochemical anti-inflammatory marker CD68 showed positive reactivity in all treated groups
Conclusion: The presence of histopathological and histochemical changes revealed nephrotoxicity in the pregnant rats after administration of the antimicrobial drug, clarithromycin
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Kidney/drug effects , Rats , Immunohistochemistry , Pregnancy, Animal/drug effects , Anti-Infective AgentsABSTRACT
Cancer colon is one of the most common malignancies in Egypt. There are growing amount of data suggesting that carcinomas of the right and left colon should be considered as different tumor entities. Difference in tumor proliferation rates has been used as a prognostic tool. Ki-67 is a proliferation-associated nuclear and nucleolar protein antigen, which is expressed in all cycling cells, and it is an important marker to determine the degree of tumor malignance and invasion ability. Cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] is an important key enzyme required for the synthesis of prostaglandins, with high level seen in many cancers including colon cancer. A total of 167 colectomy specimens were reviewed during the period of 1 year. Fifty cases from the originally viewed 167 cases were chosen; 25 cases from the right-side colon and 25 from the left-side colon of comparable stages and grades. Each case was stained immunohistochemically for Ki-67 and COX-2 antibodies. The results of Ki-67 immunostaining showed that the difference between the right and left cases was significant [P < 0.05] in addition to the results of COX-2 immunostaining. We suggest that right and left cancer colon may be two different entities with possible different risk factors and different pathogenesis, and hence each may require different treatment polices as well. COX-2 expression in right-side tumors more than in left-side tumors may provide a chance for right-side cancers to benefit from COX-2 inhibitor therapy
ABSTRACT
Osteoporosis is a major health problem and its prevalence increases the risk of bone fracture. It is classified into primary [postmenopausal or age related] and secondary [related to chronic diseases, drug therapy, or life style]. There is accumulating evidence that patients on antiepileptic drugs [AEDs] are at an increasing risk of developing osteoporosis. The present study aimed at investigating the protective effect of dietary natural products, fish liver oil, and propolis on osteoporosis caused by anticonvulsant drugs. A total of 105 albino rats were used, divided into seven groups of 15 rats each. Group 1 was used as a control group. In group 2, rats were injected intraperitoneally with pilocarpine [300 mg/kg body weight]. The pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats in the other five groups were orally treated with valproate [400 mg/kg body weight], a combination of valproate and fish liver oil [0.4 ml/kg body weight/day], a combination of valproate and propolis [50 mg/kg body weight/ day], fish liver oil, and propolis, respectively. At the end of the experiment [6 months treatment], animals were sacrificed, femur shafts were extracted, decalcified, and processed into paraffin blocks for histopathological and image analysis and morphometric studies. Rats treated with the antiepileptic valproate alone showed a decrease in the thickness of shaft cortical bone, with a marked decrease in the number of osteocytes, increase in Haversian canals, and decrease in bone trabeculae, disruption of normal architecture, and widening of bone marrow spaces compared with the control group. Treatment with the dietary natural products, fish liver oil, and propolis along with the AED valproate might improve histopathological changes and morphometric parameters in bone associated with AED-induced osteoporosis
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Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Increased oxidative stress has been shown to be a prominent and early feature in AD. Medicinal plants with antioxidant activities have been used traditionally in the treatment of several human diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic and therapeutic effects of aqueous infusions of Boswellia serrata on AD induced in rats. Ninety adult male Sprague Dawley rats were enrolled in this study and were divided into 9 groups [ten each]. Groups 1-5 for the protective study, 6-9 for the therapeutic study as follows: 1st group: negative control group in which rats were given daily oral dose of 1ml tab water, 2nd group: induction of animal model mimicking AD by daily oral administration of aluminum chloride [AlCl[3]] to rats in a dose of 17 mg/kg for 4 successive weeks; 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups: rats were orally given rivastigmine [0.3 mg/kg/day], Boswellia serrata [45 and 90 mg/kg /day respectively], for two weeks followed by combination of each treatment with AlCl[3] for another four successive weeks. Groups 6-9 for the therapeutic study: 6th group: AD induced group which acted as a model mimicking AD in humans received orally 1ml of tab water only for 12 successive weeks and served as therapeutic untreated group. 7th, 8th and 9th groups: AD rats treated orally with rivastigmine [0.3 mg/kg/day], Boswellia serrata [45 and 90 mg/kg /day respectively] daily for 12 successive weeks. At baseline [before induction of AD], before treatment, then after each treatment, behavioral stress tests as activity cages, rotarod, and T-maze tests were done. At the end of all experiments rats' brains were dissected and divided sagitally into two portions, the first portion was homogenized for determination of acetylcholine [Ach] and acetycholinesterase [AchE] levels. The second portion was used for histopathologic examination. The present study indicated that Boswellia serrata when was used for treatment of AlCl[3] induced AD, its high dose only produced increased activity of rats in the activity cage, duration of rats revolving on the rotarod and reduction in the duration taken by rats to reach food in the T-maze test. Both doses produced elevation of Ach level and reduction of AchE activity in brain homogenates. These results were consistent with the histopathological findings in brain tissues where, the neurons appear more or less like normal ones. This study revealed that the treatment of AD-induced rats with aqueous infusions of B. serrata significantly ameliorates the neurodegenerative characteristics of ADs in rats
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Tobacco smoking is one of the major health problems in the world. This study was conducted to investigate the morphological changes of the dermal elastic tissue of sun-protected skin induced by smoking. Punch biopsies were obtained from the nonexposed skin of 15 smokers and 15 nonsmokers to evaluate the dermal elastic fibers using morphometric analysis and immunohistochemical techniques. Elastic fibers of the reticular dermis were more numerous, thickened and fragmented in smokers than in nonsmokers. Correlations between the cumulative tobacco dose and the morphology of the elastic fibers were highly significant. Immunohistochemical analysis for alpha-1-antitrypsin showed negative cytoplasmic staining for all samples of both smokers and nonsmokers. This study indicates that smoking is one of the risk factors that lead to an increase in elastic fibers of the reticular dermis. This increase is due to elastic tissue degradation rather than by new synthesis, as in solar elastosis. Furthermore, smoking has multiplicative effects on facial ageing and could share, at least in part, a pathophysiological pathway
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Anethum graveolens L. [dill] [Apiaceae] is one of the most popular culinary herbs in the world. Dill has been cultivated since ancient times, and the use of this plant for medicinal and consumption purposes has been recorded dating back to the Greek and Egyptian civilizations. Dill is widely used to give flavor to food. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of the volatile compounds in dill as well as their hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity against free radicals generated by paracetamol. The chemical composition of the volatile compounds of dill was assessed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Four groups of rats were used [the normal control group, the A. graveolens-supplemented group, the paracetamol-intoxicated group, and the A. graveolens-protected group] for studying the effect of plant infusion on panadol [paracetamol]-induced free radicals and hepatotoxicity. Plasma total antioxidant capacity, plasma catalase, cellular glutathione peroxidase, plasma total protein, albumin, alanine amino transferase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphate, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels were determined. In addition, kidney functions [plasma urea and creatinine] and histopathological and histochemical changes in the liver were investigated. The phytochemical results identified volatile components 7-alpha-hydroxy manool [24.43%], l-carvone [14.28%], limonene [13.9%], epi-alpha-bisabolol [6.81%], alpha-terpinene [5.44%], and alpha-phellandrene [4.63%] as the main constituents. p-Cymene [2.13%], sabinene [1.98], and alpha-pinene [1.43%] were determined as the minor constituents. The biochemical results showed that a mega dose of paracetamol induced the production of free radicals, which caused damage to hepatocytes and nephrocytes in rats. The aqueous extract of dill revealed high antioxidant properties and acted as an extracellular neutralizer of free radicals. Histopathological and histochemical observations showed severe damage in the liver. Supplementation with dill in paracetamol-intoxicated rats attenuated the damage to the liver. The present study revealed that A. graveolens has antihepatotoxic properties that could minimize the deleterious effects generated by hepatotoxin paracetamol, and therefore it can be used as a potent antihepatotoxic agent
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Liver fibrosis results from chronic inflammation of the hepatic parenchyma. Progressive accumulation of fibrous tissue eventually leads to cirrhosis and its complications. The severity of liver fibrosis defines the stage of chronic hepatitis and carries with it important clinical implications. Histological scoring systems such as Ishak provide descriptive evaluation of the liver tissue mainly in terms of architectural changes without measuring the amount of fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the theoretical advantage of image analysis morphometry for providing truly quantitative data with respect to the amount of fibrous tissue. A Lieca Qwin 500 image analyzer with a damaged area morphometry software was used applying the interactive method to measure the fibrous tissue area on the basis of different colors of hepatocytes and fibers following staining with Masson's trichrome stain. Forty-three patients [38 men and five women] were recruited into the study with a mean age of 45.5 years [range 15-58 years]. Of them, 40 had chronic viral hepatitis and three had chronic nonviral hepatitis. Morphometric measurements of fibrosis obtained with the image analyzer were highly correlated with results obtained using the Ishak method. The correlation was found to be statistically significant using the chi2-test [P<0.0001]. Quantitative image analysis for estimation of the percentage area of liver fibrosis is a simple and accurate method for evaluating fibrous tissue in patients with chronic hepatitis, aiding therapeutic approaches
ABSTRACT
Ivermectin [1.8% E.C] and spinosad [24% SC] are bioinsecticides produced by fermentation of some bacteria species. These compounds were selected to evaluate their haematological and histopathological toxicities against albino rats. The tested compounds were orally administrated to rats at 1/10 LD[50] every three days for one month period. Hemoglobin value [HB], red blood cells [RBC], white blood cells [WBC] and platelets [PLT] counts, gamma glutamyl transferase [gammaGT] were determined in addition to histopathological examinations for liver, spleen and kidney. In general, both compounds induced significant changes in HB value, RBC, WBC, PLT counts, and gammaGT activity after 30 days from treatment. Ivermectin caused significant rise in creatinine level at the same period. Histopathological examination showed disturbance in hepatic lobules, inflammatory infiltration, and pyknotic and karyolitic nuclei in hepatocytes. Kidney exhibited lobulated glomeruli and degenerative tubules, but interstitial hemorrhagic areas were noticed in spleen. Although the tested compounds are biopesticides, obtained data revealed that both compounds caused undesirable effects on experimental animals, so we conclude not to use them on plants during fruit stage or on fresh vegetables
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Ivermectin/toxicity , Macrolides/toxicity , Hematologic Tests/blood , Erythrocytes/blood , Leukocytes/blood , Blood Platelets/blood , gamma-Glutamyltransferase/blood , Rats , Liver , Kidney , Histology , SpleenABSTRACT
Mesothelioma is a very serious illness that can have dangerous, long-term health effects. Catching the disease early on is often the best way to combat it, knowing the signs and process for diagnosis of the disease can help make it easier. Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. This is because there are many different types of cells that can make up a mesothelioma tumor. Sometimes it can be very difficult for a pathologist to diagnose pleural mesothelioma as it can look like other types of lung cancer. The differentiation of mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma can be challenging, as proper classification is essential for determination of treatment regimen for these diseases. The present work aim to clarify if the use of image analysis can replace the more expensive immunohistochemical technique in differentiating lung adenocarcinoma from malignant mesothelioma [epithelial type] of the pleura. In our study we investigated computed tomography guided fine needle biopsy [CT-guided FNA] from 20 cases of pleural mesothelioma and 20 cases of lung adenocarcinoma. The pleural mesothelioma cases were confirmed by specific immunohistochemical panel then were investigated by image analysis. These data showed insignificant variation [p value <0.05] in the nuclear area and cell area in pleural mesotheliomas and lung adenocarcinomas. From the cytological morphology, the malignant pleural mesothelioma in fine needle aspiration has somehow a special pattern for arrangement with nuclear crowding then those of the peripheral lung adenocarcinoma. The results were not significant enough for the substitution of immunohistochemistry technique by image analysis on cytological specimens yet it may give different results when applied on tissue specimen which need further investigation
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Mesothelioma/diagnosis , Biopsy, Fine-Needle , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Immunohistochemistry , Diagnosis, DifferentialABSTRACT
The present study aimed to investigate the hematological and histopathological effects of thiamethoxam insecticide on albino rats, the traces of this insecticide in stomach, fats, brain, liver and kidney were determined. Administration of thiamethoxam insecticide to rats with one-tenth of median lethal dose [1/10 LD[50]] for ten days [10 repetitive doses], the toxicants was withdrawn for 10 days to allow recovery from toxicity. The obtained data indicated that thiamethoxam caused significant increase in ALT and amylase activities. In addition, creatinine concentration showed increase after 5 and 10 days of treatment, and then decreased after 10 days of recovery. While triglyceride revealed significant reduction, which reached its maximum after 10 days of treatments it did not return to normal; no significant changes in albumin concentration were noticed. Microscopic examination of liver showed disturbed of the hepatic lobule structure, vacuoles in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. In addition, section of kidney showed lobulated glomeruli, a large area haemorrhage and congested blood vessels that showed thickening in their walls, as well as congestion and hemorrhagic areas was noticed in spleen sections. Thiamethoxam residues in stomach are high [2.17 and 3.78 ppm] followed by fats [1.7 and 3.03 ppm] and brain [1.6 and 2.78 ppm] after 5 and 10 days of treatment; while, residues in kidney and liver are low. But no residues were detected in the kidney at the end of recovery period. Our results suggested that this insecticide caused impairment of the physiological parameters and histological features in albino rats. Therefore, these effects may influence the use of this insecticide against pests attacking vegetables in fruit stage
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Liver/pathology , Histology , Transaminases/blood , Pesticide Residues , Stomach , Fats , Brain , RatsABSTRACT
This experimental study was made to evaluate the osteogenic potential of Bioglass/Dextran composite clinically, radiographically and histologically in induced mandibular bone defects in 12 mongrel dogs and suitability of this material to the ridge augmentation procedures. In the right mandibular side, first molar was removed followed by localized alveolectomy then the site was compressed with the composite graft while in the left side, a rectangular defect was surgically induced with dimensions 20 x l0x 5 mm just below the inferior alveolar canal then compressed with the graft material. Both grafted defects were compared with the control animals along intervals 3, 6 and 12 weeks postoperative periods clinically, radiographically, histologically and histomorphometrically. the current study proved that this composite is bioactive, has high osteogenic potential and could be used effectively in large osseous defects without any adverse inflammatory, allergic or cytotoxic reactions. In addition, this composite could be used in alveolar ridge augmentation procedures as it caused a statistically significant increase in rate and density of bone formation in these defects compared to the control animals. Bioglass/Dextran composite is an effective osteoconductive and osteostimulatory graft material that could be used in large osseous defects and in ridge augmentation procedures especially with the use of barrier membrane
Subject(s)
Animals , Bone Transplantation , Composite Resins , Dogs , Ceramics , Postoperative Care , Follow-Up Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Lead is a widely used chemical for the preparation of a number of industry and household-based products. The toxicity of lead compounds, like all other heavy metals, has been implicated in the etiology of different disorders in humans. The present study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of Egyptian artichoke against the hepatorenal toxicity of lead in male albino rats. Twenty three compounds were identified as volatile compounds of artichoke with benzeneacetaldehyde and selinene as major constituents, 19.97% and 16.80% respectively. Four groups of rats were used, group 1 to serve as control, group 2 intraperitoneal injected with lead acetate [20 mg/kg B.W], group 3 lead injected rats given artichoke head extract with drinking water [10 g/1 liter] and group 4 lead injected rats given artichoke leaves extract. The experiment continued for 30 days. The plasma total protein, cholesterol, urea and creatinein were determined. The activities of each of Alanine aminotansferase [ALT] aspartate amino transferase [AST], gamma-glutamyltransferase [gamma-GT] were followed. The level of plasma oxidation products of malondialdehyde was estimated. The histopathological changes were examined. Artichoke [leaves or head] co-treatment to the lead - administered rats attenuated the increase of ALT, AST, gamma-GT activities. Also the change in cholesterol, urea, creatinine and protein levels was less marked. The values reported were near to normal. In addition, the morphological damage in the liver and kidney was reduced and the tissues appeared like those of controls. The present study suggests that, because the presence of volatile constituents with antioxidative properties, artichoke may be useful in combating damaging effect of lead toxicity
Subject(s)
Animals, Laboratory , Animals , Liver , Kidney , Oxidative Stress , Liver Function Tests , Kidney Function Tests , Protective Agents , Helianthus/adverse effects , Antioxidants , RatsABSTRACT
To compare maternal plasma procalcitonin [PCT] concentrations in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes [pPROM] and premature rupture of membranes [PROM] at term, and to determine whether these concentrations are of value in the diagnosis of pPROM cases suspected of subclinical intrauterine infection or in the prediction of the pPROM-to-delivery interval. A total of 90 women with singleton pregnancies were enrolled in this study, 25 patients with pPROM, 25 with PROM at term, 20 healthy women at preterm gestation, and 20 healthy women at term were included. In pPROM group, analysis of PCT concentrations with reference to serum leucocytosis, serum C-reactive protein levels, as well as to the presence/absence of neonatal congenital infection or histological chorioamnionitis was carried out. The outcomes of pPROM cases were also recorded with reference to pPROM-to-delivery interval. PCT concentrations in pPROM and PROM at term cases were significantly higher than in healthy controls in approximate gestational age [40.84 +/- 11.64, 9.19 +/- 4.81 [pPROM, PROM at term cases], 3.33 +/- 1.40, 2.41 +/- 0.91 [preterm and term healthy controls], respectively, p<0.001]. In pPROM group, no significant correlation was observed between PCT and leucocytosis [p=0.458] or C-reactive protein [p=0.188]. Also no statistically significant difference was found between PCT concentrations in patients who gave birth to newborns with and without congenital infection, and in patients with and without histological chorioamnionitis [p=0.591, 0.091 respectively]. The accuracy of procalcitonin determinations were poor. The value of maternal plasma PCT determinations in the diagnosis of pPROM cases suspected of intra-amniotic infection, as well as for the prediction of pPROM-to-delivery interval, newborn's infection or histological chorioamnionitis is unsatisfactory. However, PCT concentrations are elevated, both in patients with preterm and term PROMs in comparison to healthy pregnant mothers, and therefore further evaluations are necessary to establish the role and relative contribution of PCT levels in the prediction of subclinical intrauterine infection in pPROM cases