Effects of crocin and metformin on methylglyoxal-induced reproductive system dysfunction in diabetic male mice / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. @*Methods@#Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20–25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. @*Results@#Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). @*Conclusion@#MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

Effects of crocin and metformin on methylglyoxal-induced reproductive system dysfunction in diabetic male mice / 대한생식의학회지

Objective@#This study investigated the effect of crocin in methylglyoxal (MGO)-induced diabetic male mice. @*Methods@#Seventy 1-month-old male NMRI mice weighing 20–25 g were divided into seven groups (n=10): sham, MGO (600 mg/kg/day), MGO+crocin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day), MGO+metformin (150 mg/kg/day), and crocin (60 mg/kg/day). MGO was administered orally for 30 days. Starting on day 14, after confirming hyperglycemia, metformin and crocin were administered orally. On day 31, plasma and tissue samples were prepared for experimental assessments. @*Results@#Blood glucose and insulin levels in the MGO group were higher than those in the sham group (p<0.001), and decreased in response to metformin (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (not at all doses). Testis width and volume decreased in the MGO mice and improved in the crocin-treated mice (p<0.05), but not in the metformin group. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice (p<0.05) and malondialdehyde levels increased (p<0.001). Crocin and metformin improved malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. Testosterone (p<0.001) and sperm count (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic mice, and treatment with metformin and crocin recovered these variables. Luteinizing hormone levels increased in diabetic mice (p<0.001) and crocin treatment (but not metformin) attenuated this increase. Seminiferous diameter and height decreased in the diabetic mice and increased in the treatment groups. Vacuoles and ruptures were seen in diabetic testicular tissue, and crocin improved testicular morphology (p<0.01). @*Conclusion@#MGO increased oxidative stress, reduced sex hormones, and induced histological problems in male reproductive organs. Crocin and metformin improved the reproductive damage caused by MGO-induced diabetes.

Effects of cinnamic acid on memory deficits and brain oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

The present study aimed to evaluate the cinnamic acid effect on memory impairment, oxidative stress, and cholinergic dysfunction in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model in mice. In this experimental study, 48 male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (30–35 g) were chosen and were randomly divided into six groups: control, cinnamic acid (20 mg/kg day, i.p. ), diabetic, and cinnamic acid-treated diabetic (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg day, i.p. ). Memory was impaired by administering an intraperitoneal STZ injection of 50 mg/kg. Cinnamic acid was injected for 40 days starting from the 21st day after confirming STZ-induced dementia to observe its therapeutic effect. Memory function was assessed using cross-arm maze, morris water maze and passive avoidance test. After the administration, biochemical parameters of oxidative stress and cholinergic function were estimated in the brain. Present data indicated that inducing STZ caused significant memory impairment, whereas administration of cinnamic acid caused significant and dose-dependent memory improvement. Assessment of brain homogenates indicated cholinergic dysfunction, increase in lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decrease in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the diabetic group compared to the control animals, whereas cinnamic acid administration ameliorated these indices in the diabetic mice. The present study demonstrated that cinnamic acid improves memory by reducing the oxidative stress and cholinergic dysfunction in the brain of diabetic mice.

Effects of butyric acid and arsenic on isolated pancreatic islets and liver mitochondria of male mouse

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the different doses of Butyric acid [BA] and Arsenic [As] in liver mitochondria oxidative stress and pancreatic islet insulin secretion of male mouse

Background: BA is found in many foods and As as a toxic metal is present in drinking water. They can induce oxidative stress in tissues

Methods: In this experimental study, Liver mitochondria were isolated by administration of the different centrifugation method and pancreatic islets were isolated by collagenase method. Mitochondria were incubated by BA [35, 75, 150, 300 microM] and As [20, 50, 100, 200 microM] as the islets were incubated by BA [250, 500, 1000, 1500 microM] and As [50, 100, 200 microM] for 1 hour. At the end of the experiment, mitochondrial viability and membrane potential, ROS, MDA, GSH and islets insulin secretion were measured by their specific methods

Results: BA and As administration increased mitochondrial levels of ROS, MDA and decreased GSH and pancreatic islet insulin secretion in a dose dependent manner [p<0.05]. The doses of BA 75microM and As 100microM have been revealed the most mitochondria toxic concentrations. Also, the doses of 1000microM for BA and 100microM for As were considered as reducing concentrations for islets insulin secretion. Additionally, co administration of them intensified more these effects

Conclusion: Alone or in combination administration of BA and As induced oxidative stress in liver mitochondria and decreased insulin secretion of pancreatic islets

Effects of portulaca oleracea ethanolic extract on reproductive system of aging female mice

Background: Aging contains morphological and functional deterioration in biological systems. D-galactose [D-gal] generates free radicals and accelerates aging. Portulaca oleracea [Purslane] may have protective effect against oxidative stress

Objective: Purslane ethanolic extract effects were evaluated on antioxidant indices and sex hormone in D-gal aging female mice

Materials and Methods: 48 female NMRI mice [25-35 gr] were randomly divided into, 6 groups: 1- control [normal saline for 45 days], 2- Purslane [200 mg/kg for last 3 weeks], 3-D-gal [500 mg/kg for 45 days], 4-D-gal+Purslane, 5- Aging, 6-Aging+Purslane. Sex hormones, antioxidants and malondialdehyde [MDA] level of ovary and uterus were measured. Histological assessment was also done

Results: In D-gal treated and aging animals, LH and FSH levels were significantly increased [p<0.001] while estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly reduced [p<0.001] in comparison with control group. MDA contents were significantly increased in ovaries and uterus of D-gal and aging groups [p<0.01]. Superoxide dismutase [SOD] [p<0.001] and catalase [p<0.01] activities were significantly decreased in both aging and D-gal treated animals. Ovarian follicles were degenerated and atrophy on uterine wall and endometrial glands was observed in D-gal and aging groups. Alteration in hormone levels, MDA contents and antioxidant activity were significantly reversed by Purslane [p<0.05]. Purslane could also improve histological changes such as atrophy of endometrium

Conclusion: These findings indicate that Purslane can attenuate aging alternations induced by D-gal and aging in female reproductive system

Effects of Betulinic Acid on the Male Reproductive System of a Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Mouse Model

PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the favorable or harmful effects of betulinic acid (BA) on a diabetic reproductive system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 60 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice (20∼25 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, diabetes, diabetes+BA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), and diabetes+ metformin (200 mg/kg). A diabetic model was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) injection intraperitoneally 15 minutes after an intraperitoneal administration of nicotinamide (NA) (120 mg/kg). BA and metformin were gavaged for 2 weeks after confirmed diabetes induction in the treatment groups. One day after the last treatment, plasma luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels were evaluated. The cauda epididymis and testis were removed to analyze the sperm count and testis histopathology. RESULTS: LH levels increased in diabetic (p<0.001) and diabetic BA-treated mice (p=0.009). Plasma levels of testosterone (p< 0.001) and sperm count (p=0.04) decreased in these groups when compared to the control group. Furthermore, administration of 10 mg/kg (p=0.001), 20 mg/kg (p=0.004), or 40 mg/kg (p<0.001) of BA led to a greater reduction in plasma testosterone levels compared to the diabetes group. Seminiferous tubule vacuole numbers increased in diabetic and diabetic BA-treated mice, but testis morphology and FSH level assessment revealed no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: STZ-NA can induce diabetic alterations in the male reproductive system and the administration of BA in diabetic treated mice resulted in a worse outcome.

Effect of C-peptide Alone or in Combination with Nicotinamide on Insulin Levels from Pancreatic Islets in Mouse

Background: Both c-peptide and nicotinamide are known to increase blood insulin in diabetes. In the present study, we examined the effect of c-peptide alone or in combination with nicotinamide on insulin levels in pancreatic islets in mice. Methods: This study was conducted with 60 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMARI) mice weighing 25 to 30 g. Pancreatic islets from normal mice were isolated by the collagenase digestion method. Mice were divided into ten groups of six (n = 6): control, glyburide (1 and 10 μM), C-peptide (50 and 100 nM), nicotinamide (10, 25, and 100 mM), nicotinamide + C-peptide (100 mM and 100 nM), and buffer in different glucose concentrations (2.8, 5.6, and 16.7 mM). Insulin secretion was measured using insulin radioimmunoassay method. Results: Insulin secretion significantly increased at 16.7 mM glucose concentration compared with 2.8 and 5.6 mM glucose concentrations. Incubation of islets at 2.8 and 5.6 mM glucose concentrations and nicotinamide + C-peptide, nicotinamide 25 and 100 mM, and C-peptide 100 nM significantly increased insulin secretion compared with the control group. In addition, incubation of islets at 16.7 mM glucose with nicotinamide + C-peptide significantly increased insulin secretion. Glyburide at 10 μM concentration was more effective than nicotinamide at 10 and 100 mM, C-peptide 50 and 100 nM in the presence of 16.7 mM glucose concentration. However, the combination of nicotinamide + C-peptide was more effective than glyburide at a concentration of 10 μM in the presence of a 16.7 mM glucose concentration. Conclusions: This paper suggests that c-peptide, nicotinamide, and the combination of c-peptide and nicotinamide in-creases insulin secretion from pancreatic islets.

Effects of Hydro-alcoholic Extract from Arctium lappa L. (Burdock) Root on Gonadotropins, Testosterone, and Sperm Count and Viability in Male Mice with Nicotinamide/ Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Reproductive dysfunction is a complication of diabetes. Arctium lappa (burdock) root has hypoglycemic and antioxidative properties, which are traditionally used for treatment of impotence and sterility. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of its hydro alcoholic extract on gonadotropin, testosterone, and sperm parameters in nicotinamide/ streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (30–35 g) were randomly divided into seven groups: control, diabetes, diabetes + glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), diabetes + extract (200 or 300 mg/kg), and extract (200 or 300 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with intraperitoneal injection of nicotinamide (NA) and streptozotocin (STZ). Twenty-four hours after the last extract and drug administration, serum samples, testes, and cauda epididymis were removed immediately for experimental assessment. Results: Body weight, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels, and sperm count (P < 0.05) and viability (P < 0.01) decreased in diabetic mice. Administration of glibenclamide significantly improved these reductions in diabetic animals (P < 0.05). However, the hydro alcoholic extract (300 mg/kg) enhanced sperm viability only in diabetic mice (P < 0.01). In addition, this dose of extract increased sperm count, LH, FSH, and testosterone in nondiabetic animals compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that applied burdock root extract has anti-infertility effects in nondiabetic mice. Hence, this part of the A. lappa plant has an effect on the health of the reproductive system in order to improve diabetic conditions.

The Effect of Vitis vinifera L. Juice on Serum Levels of Inhibin B, Sperm Count in Adult Male Rats

PURPOSE: Vitis vinifera is a species of Vitis that is native to the Mediterranean region, central Europe, and southwestern Asia, and has been used as a drug in traditional medicine. Traditional medicinal plants have been used for medical purposes with increasing effectiveness. It is important to identify drugs that inhibit spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of grape juice (GJ) on serum levels of inhibin B and sperm count in normal male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into five groups, each containing seven rats. Rats in the control group received 1 mL of normal saline over the course of the study. The experimental groups received GJ (100, 200, 400, and 1,600 mg/kg, orally, for 35 days consecutively). At the end of the treatment period, fertility indices were measured, including body weight difference, sex organ weight, sperm motility and count, epididymal sperm reserve, daily sperm production (DSP), and serum inhibin B levels. RESULTS: We found that GJ reduces body weight difference, was associated with decreased sperm motility and count in all treatment groups (p< or =0.05 and p< or =0.001, respectively). Moreover, DSP was significantly decreased in all treatment groups compared to the control group (p< or =0.05), except in the group receiving 100 mg/kg of GJ. Inhibin B levels were significantly decreased in all treatment groups (p< or =0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that GJ in all doses, but especially in higher doses, may decrease fertility in male rats.

Effect of C-peptide Alone or in Combination with Nicotinamide on Glucose and Insulin Levels in Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Background: Both C-peptide and nicotinamide are known to reduce blood glucose in type 1 diabetes. In the present study, the effects of C-peptide alone or in combination with nicotinamide on glucose and insulin levels in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic mice. Methods: The study used 70 adult male NMARI mice, weighing 25–35 g, divided into seven groups: control; type 1 diabetic; type 2 diabetic; type 2 diabetic + C-peptide; type 2 diabetic + nicotinamide; type 2 diabetic + nicotinamide and C-peptide; type 2 diabetic + glyburide. Type 2 diabetes was induced with ip injection of streptozotocin–nicotinamide. Twenty eight days after the onset of diabetes, treatment with C-peptide, nicotinamide, nicotinamide + C-peptide, or glyburide were initiated. Glucose and insulin levels were evaluated. One-way ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests were used to test for significance. Results: Blood glucose significantly increased (P < 0.001) in all diabetic mice compared with control mice. Insulin resistance and blood glucose levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in C-peptide and nicotinamide + C-peptide mice compared with type 2 diabetic mice. Conclusions: The present study supports the anti-diabetic effects of C-peptide, nicotinamide + C-peptide, and suggests that one of the anti-diabetic mechanisms of these compounds is mediated through the reduction of insulin resistance.

Effect of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of lettuce [Lactuca sativa] seed on testosterone level and spermatogenesis in NMRI mice

One of the considerable uses of lettuce [Lactuca sativa] seed in traditional medicine has been to reduce semen, sperm and sexuality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of lettuce seed on testosterone level and spermatogenesis. In this experimental study 24 adult male NMRI mice weighing 20-25gr were purchased. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: controls, hydro-alcoholic [200 mg/kg] and aqueous extracts [50, 100mg/kg]. The extracts were injected intraperitoneally once a day for 10 consecutive days. 2 weeks after the last injection, the mice were anaesthetized by ether and after laparatomy blood was collected from the heart to determine testosterone by ELISA assay kit. Then testis and cauda epididymis of all animals were removed for analyzing testis morphology and sperm count and viability. Testis weight in hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extracts 100 mg/kg [p=0.001] and aqueous extract 50 mg/kg [p=0.008] groups was increased .Sperm viability in hydro-alcoholic [p=0.001] and aqueous extracts 50 [p=0.026], 100 mg/kg [p=0.045] groups was decreased, Also the results showed a significant decrease in sperm count in hydro-alcoholic [p=0.035] and aqueous extracts 50 mg/kg [p=0.006] groups in comparison with control group. Also there was a significant increase in serum level of testosterone in aqueous extract 50 mg/kg group in comparison with control [p=0.002] hydro-alcoholic [p=0.001] and aqueous extracts 100 mg/kg [p=0.003] groups. Present results demonstrated that hydro-alcoholic and aqueous 50 mg/kg extracts of lettuce seed have antispermatogenic effects, also aqueous extract 50 mg/kg increased serum level of testosterone in mice. Therefore we can suggest that lettuce seed could be a potential contraceptive agent.

Progesterone and Cilostazol Protect mice pancreatic islets from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide

Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress impair beta-cell function and reduce insulin secretion. It has been shown that progesterone and cilostazol possess antioxidant properties. The present study was aimed to investigate in vitro pretreatment effect of progesterone and cilostazol on insulin secretion as well as their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in pancreatic isolated islets from mouse. Pancreatic islets were isolated from 84 male NMRI mice [25-30g] by collagenase digestion method and pretreated for 48h with cilostazol [10 microM], progesterone [0.5 microM] and glibenclamide [10 microM] in culture medium. Then islets were exposed to hydrogen peroxide [H2O2. 500 microM] for 2h. Next, culture mediums containing glucose concentration of 2.8 mM or 16.7 mM were added to them and incubated in this status for 1h. At the end, the rate of insulin output from islets, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activities in islet tissues were assayed. Exposure of islets to H2O2, resulted in a significant decrease in insulin secretion, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities [P<0.001]. Also islets malondialdehyde levels were increased by H2O2, after addition of 2.8mM [P<0.05] and 16.7mM [P<0.001] glucose. 48h pretreatment of islets with cilostazol and progesterone, significantly reverted back this changes [P<0.05]. Results of present study showed that cilostazol and progesterone protect mice pancreatic islets against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. At the end, our results suggested that protective effects of progesterone and cilostazol are mediated by augmentation the antioxidant defence system of islets

Effects of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Rhus coriaria (Sumac) Seeds on Reproductive Complications of Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin Induced Type-2 Diabetes in Male Mice

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Rhus coriaria seeds on the reproductive system of nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 56 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were randomly divided into seven groups (n=8): control; diabetic mice; diabetic mice administered glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg); diabetic mice who received the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds (200 and 400 mg/kg groups); and normal mice who received this extract (200 and 400 mg/kg groups). Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after an injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). Then, glibenclamide and the above mentioned extract were administered orally for 28 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, serum samples, the testes, and the cauda epididymis were removed immediately for hormonal, testis morphology, and sperm parameter assessments. RESULTS: Body and testicular weight, sperm count and viability, and serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone levels were significantly lower in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). The diabetic mice treated with 400 mg/kg of the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds recovered from these reductions (p<0.05). Further, glibenclamide alleviated hormonal and sperm count depletion in diabetes-induced mice (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of R. coriaria seeds has anti-infertility effects in diabetic males.

Effects of Exendin-4 on Male Reproductive Parameters of D-Galactose Induced Aging Mouse Model

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of exendin-4 on reproductive alteration in a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 72 male Naval Medical Research Institute mice (20~25 g) were randomly divided into six groups: control, exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg), exendin-4 (10 nmol/kg), D-galactose (500 mg/kg), D-galactose+exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg), and D-galactose+exendin-4 (10 nmol/kg). The aging model animals were gavaged with D-galactose for six weeks, and exendin-4 was injected intraperitoneally in the last 10 days. At the end of treatment serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were evaluated and the cauda epididymis and testis were removed to analyze the sperm count and testis morphology. RESULTS: The testis weight and volume decreased in the D-galactose group (p<0.01 and p<0.05) respectively. Exendin-4 (1, 10 nmol/kg) increased these parameters in the normal and aging mouse models. Serum LH and FSH levels increased and the sperm count decreased in the D-galactose group (p<0.05). Further, exendin-4 (1 nmol/kg) decreased LH and FSH levels and increased the serum testosterone level and sperm count in both normal and aging animals. CONCLUSIONS: D-galactose can induce aging alternations in the male reproductive system such as decreased sperm count and increased serum LH and FSH levels through reactive oxygen species over production and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity. Further, co-administration of exendin-4 reduced reproductive complications of D-galactose in an aging mouse model.

Effects of teucrium polium ethyl acetate extract on serum, liver and muscle triglyceride content of sucrose-induced insulin resistance in rat

Possessing putative hypolipidemic effects, Teucrium polium [TP] have been traditionally used as a medicinal plant in Iran. The aim of the present study was to investigate this effect on the sucrose-induced insulin resistance male rat model. Thirty Wistar male rats weighting 180 +/- 20 g were divided into five groups of six each. Four groups were given sucrose 50% in drinking water for 10 weeks. In 8th week of treatment, three groups of them were randomly selected and treated with Teucrium polium [T. polium] ethyl acetate extract [50, 100 and 200 mg/Kg for two weeks]. Control animals were fed using normal rat chow. After ten weeks, blood samples were collected from the heart. Blood Glucose, insulin, leptin, lipid content and fasting insulin resistance index [FIRI] as well as liver and muscle glycogen and lipid contents were determined. Final data were analyzed by ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test. Liver glycogen contents and blood levels of glucose and insulin were significantly increased in high sucrose [HS] group compared with control group. A significant decrease was observed in blood glucose and insulin levels, FIRI, serum total lipid, triglyceride and VLDL-c as well as the liver triglyceride level, muscle and liver glycogen contents in 100 and 200 mg/Kg of TP-treated groups compared with HS group. Leptin level was significantly decreased in 50 and 100 mg/Kg groups compared with HS group. The treatment with T. polium ethyl acetate extract [TP-EAE] induced a dose-dependent reduction in serum, liver and muscle triglyceride [TG] and liver glycogen content levels, as well as serum insulin. These effects may be attributed, in part, to the hypolipidemic effect of TP flavonoids; otherwise, the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of TP-EAE may improve the liver function and reverse harmful sucrose effects

Antispasmodic effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic Punica granatum flower extracts on the uterus of non-pregnant rats

Punica granatum Linn. [PG] is native to the Mediterranean region. Its flower exhibited antioxidant activity. The present study attempt to investigate the effect of these extract on uterine contraction and its possible mechanism[s]. Thirty five female Wistar rats [200-300 g] at estrous phases of cycle was examined in this study; pieces of virgin adult rat uterus [1.5 cm] were suspended in an organ bath containing 10 ml of De Jalon solution at 29 degreeC. Tissue contractility was isometrically recorded. KCl [60 mM], BaCl[2] [4 mM] and oxytocin [10 mU/ml] were applied to the tissue in the presence and absence of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant [0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/ml]. Propranolol [1 microM] and naloxane [1 microM] were added in KCl induced contractions. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and p<0.05 were considered as significant. Cumulative concentration of extracts reduced uterine contractions induced by KCl dose-dependently [p<0.01]. Extracts in a dose dependent [p<0.05] reduced uterine contractions decreased dose-dependently after of addition oxytocin. The extracts added cumulatively to the organ bath reduced contractions but they did not affect uterine contractions induced by BaCl2 except the last dose. Spasmolytic effects of the extracts were not affected by propranolol or naloxane in KCl induced contractions. Extracts diminished K[+]-induced contraction in uterus, therefore it seems that substances that decrease K[+]-induced contraction can also block voltage dependent calcium channel. The extracts did not have any effect on beta-adrenoceptors or potassium channels

Antidiabetic effect of hydroalcholic Urtica dioica leaf extract in male rats with fructose- induced insulin resistance

Urtica dioica has been used as antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic herbal medicine. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on fructose-induced insulin resistance rats. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups including control, fructose, extract 50, extract 100 and extract 200. The control rat received vehicle, the fructose and extract groups received fructose 10% for eight weeks. The extract groups received single daily injection of vehicle, 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/day for the two weeks. Blood glucose, insulin, last fasting insulin resistance index [FIRI], serum triglyceride [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], alanin trasaminase [AST] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP], leptin and LDL/HDL ratio were determined. Compared to control group, daily administration of fructose was associated with significant increase in FIRI, blood glucose and insulin, significant decrease in lepin, and no significant change in TG, HDL, LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, VLDL, ALT, and ALP. The extract significantly decreased serum glucose, insulin, LDL and leptin, and LDL/HDL ratio and FIRI. It also significantly increased serum TG, VLDL, and AST, but did not change serum ALP. We suggest that Urtica dioica extract, by decreasing serum glucose, and FIRI, may be useful to improve type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also, by positive effect on lipid profile and by decreasing effect on leptin, it may improve metabolic syndrome

[Effects of forced exercise on withdrawal syndrome, brain hippocampus neurons count and level of serum corticosterone in morphine addicted male rats]

Addiction to morphine impairs the behavioral and cognitive performances. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of forced exercise [treadmill] on withdrawal signs after morphine deprivation, serum corticostrone level, and hippocampus neurons count in brain hemisphers in rats addicted to morphine. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups with 10 in each: 1] exercised control [C+E], 2] sham exercised control [C+Sh.E], 3] addicted [A], 4] exercised addicted [A+E], and 5] sham-exercised addicted [A+Sh.E]. Withdrawal signs such as number of jumping, teeth chattering, wet-dog shaking, defecation, body scratching, and standingas number of were counted during 30 minutes after naloxone administration. Animals in exercised groups ran on treadmill one hour daily from 9-10 Am in the morning for ten consecutive days. Sham-exercised groups passed same times on turned off treadmill while its shock delivered system was turned on. At the end of experiments serum corticostrone level and hippocampus neurons count were done after decapitation the animals in all groups. The data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA that followed by LSD post hoc test. The differences between groups were accepted as significant with P value less than 0.05. Addiction to morphine increased withdrawal signs and corticostrone secretion significantly and reduced hipocampal neurons in brain, All off which were significant. Forced exercise could inhibit certain withdrawal signs induced by morphine deprivation in addicted rats while could not reverse increased corticostrone level and decreased hippocampus neurons. Despite of useful effects of forced exercise on health conditions and especially cognition during aging, it would cause impair severely some neurobehavioral and hormonal disorders in addicted rats to morphine

Antispasmodic effects of Citrus aurantium flowers aqueous extract on uterus of non-pregnant rats

Citrus aurantium is a small citrus tree, with scented white flowers. The C. aurantium is used in Asian herbal medicine primarily to treat digestive problems. The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract on uterine contraction in presence of some known uterus stimulants. In experimental study 30 virgin Wistar rats 200-300gr were obtained. After laparatomy, a piece of Uterus was dissected out and mounted in an organ bath [10ml] containing De Jalon [29°C] and contracted by KCl [60mM], oxytocin [10mU/ml] and barium chloride [4mM] then the effect of C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract [1-8 mg/ml] on the uterine contractions was investigated. Uterus was separately incubated with propranolol [1microM], naloxone [1microM] and the role of beta-adrenoceptors, opioid receptors were evaluated. Cumulative concentrations of the extract [1-8 mg/ml] decreased KCI, oxytocin and barium chloride induced uterine contractions, dose-dependently [p<0.001]. C. aurantium flower's aqueous extract was unaffected on incubation the tissue with propranolol and naloxone. It seems that the extract induced antispasmodic effect mainly via calcium influx blockade. However, neither beta-adrenoceptors nor opioid receptors were involved. Since the extract has antispasmodic effect on uterus contraction therefore we can suggest that more study will be necessary to relief dysmenorrheal

effects of Cassia italica leaves aqueous extract on non-pregnant uterus contraction in rats

Cassia italica or Senna is a wild plant distributed in south of Iran. It increased water consumption and has a laxative effect. In traditional medicine this plant has been used for the dysmenorrheal. In this study we investigated the effect of aqueous extract of Cassia italica on uterus contraction. Virgin Wistar rats 200-300g were purchased. After laparotomy, a piece of uterus [1.5cm] was excised and mounted in an organ bath [10ml] containing De Jalon [29[degree sign] C] and isometric contractions were recorded under 1g tension. KCI [60mM] was used to produce contractions. Cassia italica extracts after washing were added at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mg/ml cumulatively to the organ bath and the contractions were recorded. Uterus was separately incubated with atropine sulfate [10 micro M], metoclopramide [10 micro M] and oxytocin [10mU/ml] and the tissue spasmodic effect of the extract were recorded. Cumulative concentrations of the extract [0.5-4 mg/ml] increased the basal, peak and frequency of uterus contractions, dose-dependently [p<0.001]. incubation of the tissue with atropine sulfate and metoclopramide did not reduce the spasmodic effect of the extract. Cassia italica extract was shown the oxytocic activity on the uterine smooth muscle which most concentrations of the extract [4mg/ml] were more potent than of oxytocin [10mU/ml]. Cassia italica stimulated the uterus contractions without involving dopaminergic [D2], and muscarinic receptors. This extract has oxytocin mimetic effects on uterus. Since the extract has uterus contraction, therefore we suggest that more study will be necessary about abortive or contraceptive effects of this plant on pregnant uterus