ABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to identify the nature of the interactive effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cold stress (15° and 20°C) on the activities of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), Na+, K+-ATPase and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the cerebral cortex of 1 week, 3 weeks and 3 months of age. The results indicated an interaction of CPF with age of animal and cold exposure resulting in marked decrease in the activity levels of AChE, ChAT, Na+, K+-ATPase, followed by increased MDA levels. Overall, the effects of co-exposure of cold stress and CPF were appreciably different from either of the exposures. However, synergistic-action of CPF and cold stress at 15°C showed a greater inhibition of AChE, ChAT, and Na+, K+-ATPase in comparison with CPF or cold stress alone and together at 20°C. The results reveal that young animals are markedly more sensitive to interactive effects of CPF and cold stress than adults.
ABSTRACT
Aqueous leaf extract of L. speciosa (banaba) effectively decreased the blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after 15th day of banaba exposure. Further, banaba leaf extract have the potential to inhibit lipid peroxidation and effectively intercept/neutralize reactive oxygen species such as super oxide, H2O2 and NO based free radicals. The aqueous banaba leaf extract (150 mg/kg bodyweight) duly reduced STZ generated reactive intermediates and radical species helping to regulate normal levels of antioxidative markers like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione- S-transferase and reduced glutathione.
ABSTRACT
Fluoride is toxic to neuronal development and its excessive intake during pregnancy cause adverse effects on neonatal development. The present study examined the presence of oxidative stress during maternal exposure of fluoride and the therapeutic strategy of Aloe vera, Curcuma longa and Ocimum sanctum extracts in functional prevention of fluoride led oxidative stress. The pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to 100 ppm fluoride in drinking water and pups born to them were supplemented with phytoextracts daily. On 21st postpartum day, the pups were sacrificed to analyse fluoride and oxidative stress markers. Fluoride exposure significantly increased its accumulation, lipid peroxidation and decreased the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione levels in discrete regions of the central nervous system (CNS) of pups indicating oxidative stress and inhibited antioxidant defense. The results implied the vulnerability of developing CNS to fluoride toxicity. On phytoextract supplementation, the oxidant devastation was suppressed by regaining antioxidant homeostasis near normal level proving efficacy and therapeutic strategy. Among the phytoextracts supplemented the Ocimum sanctum is found to be more effective.