Influence of bioactive sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes on hepatocarcinogenesis, angiogenesis and immunomodulatory activities

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the in vivo anticancer, anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulatory efficacies of the bioactive polysaccharide isolated from cold aqueous extract of Jania rubens (JCEM) and Pterocladia capillacea (PCEM) as well as hot aqueous extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis (EHEM) against hepatocellular carcinoma rat model (HCC) and to study their chemical composition.@*METHODS@#The sugars and amino acids composition of the bioactive polysaccharides of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM were determined using gas liquid chromatography and amino acid analyzer, respectively. These polysaccharide extracts (20 mg/kg b.wt. for 5 weeks) were assessed on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), glypican-3 (GPC-3), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ig G levels were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#The GLC analysis of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM polysaccharide revealed the presence of 10, 9 and 10 sugars, in addition the amino acid analyzer enable identification of 16, 15 and 15 amino acids, respectively. These polysaccharide extracts of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM produced significant decrease in serum AFP, CEA, GPC-3, HGF and VEGF compared with untreated HCC group. JCEM, PCEM and EHEM had an immunostimulatory responses by increasing the IgG levels as compared by naïve value (1.23, 1.53 and 1.17 folds), respectively. The bioactive polysaccharides in HCC induced rats improved the humoral immune response. The photomicrographs of liver tissue sections of the groups of HCC treated with polysaccharide extracts of Jania rubens and Enteromorpha intestinalis showed intact histological structure. Moreover, fractions HE1, HE4, HE7 obtained from polysaccharide of EHEM showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 in vitro with IC 73.1, 42.6, 76.2 μg/mL. However, fractions of PCEM and JCEM show no or weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 in vitro where the cytotoxic activity of their crude polysaccharide extract proved synergetic effect.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The pronounced antitumor activity of sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes of JCEM and EHEM is due to direct cytotoxic activity, anti-hepatocarcinogenesis, and anti-angiogenesis. In addition, JCEM, PCEM and EHEM had an immunostimulatory response and improved the humoral immune response in HCC induced rats.

Influence of bioactive sulfated polysaccharide-protein complexes on hepatocarcinogenesis, angiogenesis and immunomodulatory activities

Objective To explore the in vivo anticancer, anti-angiogenesis and immunomodulatory efficacies of the bioactive polysaccharide isolated from cold aqueous extract of Jania rubens (JCEM) and Pterocladia capillacea (PCEM) as well as hot aqueous extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis (EHEM) against hepatocellular carcinoma rat model (HCC) and to study their chemical composition. Methods The sugars and amino acids composition of the bioactive polysaccharides of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM were determined using gas liquid chromatography and amino acid analyzer, respectively. These polysaccharide extracts (20 mg/kg b.wt. for 5 weeks) were assessed on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats and α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), glypican-3 (GPC-3), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ig G levels were evaluated. Results The GLC analysis of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM polysaccharide revealed the presence of 10, 9 and 10 sugars, in addition the amino acid analyzer enable identification of 16, 15 and 15 amino acids, respectively. These polysaccharide extracts of JCEM, PCEM and EHEM produced significant decrease in serum AFP, CEA, GPC-3, HGF and VEGF compared with untreated HCC group. JCEM, PCEM and EHEM had an immunostimulatory responses by increasing the IgG levels as compared by naïve value (1.23, 1.53 and 1.17 folds), respectively. The bioactive polysaccharides in HCC induced rats improved the humoral immune response. The photomicrographs of liver tissue sections of the groups of HCC treated with polysaccharide extracts of Jania rubens and Enteromorpha intestinalis showed intact histological structure. Moreover, fractions HE1, HE4, HE7 obtained from polysaccharide of EHEM showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HepG2 in vitro with IC

Molecular genetic and biochemical evaluation of ghrelin hormone as a novel signal of gonadal function in adult male rats

It is well known that reproductive function is regulated by the interplay of the hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads, which form the so called reproductive axis. A number of factors primarily involved in the control of energy balance and metabolism have been proven as putative modulators of the gonadal axis, thus providing the basis for the link between energy homeostasis and fertility. Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide. It is predominantly produced by the endocrine X/ A- like cells of the stomach submucosa and mobilized by food deprivation. Ghrelin concentrations were observed to change with fasting and refeeding in mammals. The potential reproductive role of ghrelin has received attention recently. The Objective of this work is to study the effect of chronic food restriction on ghrelin level in adult male rats and it's relation to reproductive hormones. The present study was carried out on 32 adult male Sprague Dawley rats divided into 4 groups: Group I [control group] comprised 8 rats fed ad libitum for 30 days, Group II, III and IV [food-restricted groups for 10, 20 and 30 days respectively] each consisted of 8 rats fed 50% of ad libitum intake determined by the amount of food consumed by the control group. Mean body weight of food restricted rats was observed to decrease during the period of the experiment. Food restriction produced significant increase of serum ghrelin with significant decrease of both gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin accompanied with significant increase in its gene expression in stomach and hypothalamus. Testosterone, follicle- stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] levels showed significant decrease correlated with down- regulation of gonadotropins, aromatase and kisspeptin [Kissl] genes in food restricted rats compared with control group. Ghrelin could be one of the hormones responsible for the suppression of male reproductive axis in case of negative energy balance. Thus, ghrelin could provide a link between energy homeostasis and reproductive capacity in adult male rats

Possible mechanisms of acrylamide- induced hormonal imbalance in adult male rats

The current study aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms by which acrylamide affects vital endocrine glands in an experimental rat model. Thirty adult Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into three experimental groups, group [1] as control; group [2] where rats were orally administered acrylamide in a dose of 5 mg/kg b. wt. daily for 12 weeks; group [3] where rats were orally administered acrylamide in a dose of 15 mg/kg b. wt. daily for 12 weeks. Plasma was analyzed for malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant capacity, total and free testosterone, T[3], T[4] and corticosterone levels. Histopathological examinations of testis, thyroid gland and adrenal gland were carried out. Our results indicate that acrylamide administration significantly increases plasma lipid peroxidation with concomitant decrease in total antioxidant capacity, total and free testosterone, T[3], T[4] and corticosterone levels. These results were documented by histopathological investigations of the testis, thyroid and adrenal tissues. We conclude that acrylamide causes hormonal disturbance in experimental animals via inducing oxidative and destruction stress on vital endocrine glands which presents a potential hazards to humans

Efficacy of certain amino acids in intervention of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the therapeutic role of some amino acids in the management of osteoporosis in ovariectomized [OVX] rats. This study was conducted on 56 adult female rats which were divided into 7 groups as follows: Gp.[1] OVX rats orally administered with [1 ml/rat/day] saline as vehicle; Gp.[2] OVX rats orally administered with L-lysine [1.26g/kg/b.wt.]; Gp.[3] OVX rats orally administered with L-arginine [500mg/kglb.wt.]; Gp.[4] OVX rats orally administered with L-glutamine [3.2g/kg/b.wt.]; Gp.[5] OVX rats orally administered with taurine [50mg/kglb.wt.] and Gp.[6] OVX rats orally administered with a combination of the four amino acids dissolved in saline. In addition, gonad-intact [control group] orally administered with 1 ml saline/rat/day was involved in the present study. The treatment was started after 3 months of ovariectomy and continued for other 3 months. Serum calcium [Ca], phosphours [P], parathyroid hormone [PTH], osteocalcin [OC], insuline like growth factor-1 [IGF-1], transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-beta] levels and bone alkaline phosphatase [BAP] activity were determined. Significant decrease in serum Ca, P levels and bone ALP activity as well as in serum OC, IGF-1 and TGF-beta levels were ovariectomy-induced, while it caused significant increase in serum PTH level when compared to their corresponding values in gonad-intact control rats. Treatment of OVX rats with L-lysine or L-arginine produced non-significant increase in serum Ca and P levels and the treatment with L-glutamine or taurine induced significant increase in serum Ca and P levels. Treatment with either one of the selected amino acids resulted in significant decrease in serum PTH level while these amino acids produced significant increase in serum osteocalcin level and BAP activity. Treatment of OVX rats with L-lysine induced non-significant increase in serum IGF-1 and TGF-beta, while the combination of L-arginine with either L-glutamine or taurine produced significant increase in serum IGF-1 and TGF-beta. Treatment of OVX rats with a combination of the selected amino acids resulted in significant increase in the all studied biochemical parameters except serum PTH level which showed significant decrease as compared to their corresponding values in OVX rats. Each of the selected amino acids or their combination significantly modulates markers of bone turnover in OVX rats. These results indicated the usefulness of these amino acids in the treatment of primary osteoporosis

Ameliorative effect of grape seed extract against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in adult male albino rats

The present study aimed to investigating the ameliorative effect of oral administration of grape seed extract to rats versus neurotoxic effects administered with rotenone. Rats were orally administered grape seed extract [GSE] at a dose of 75 mg/kg body weight [wt] once a day for 20 days before oral administration of rotenone [2.5 mg/kg body wt]. Dopamine [DA] and norepinephrine [NE] contents in striatum, cerebellum and cerebral cortex were determined at 40, 55 and 70 days of administration. Also, the striatum Na+/K+-ATPase activities, serum and striatum nitric oxide [NO], lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione [GSH], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], and serum testosterone level were determined. In addition, a histopathological study of striatum was carried out. Our results reveal that rotenone administration for 50 days led to a significant increase in striatum and serum lipid peroxidation and NO levels while, a significant decrease in DA in striatum, NE and DA in cortex occurred. Also, striatum Na+/K+-ATPase activities, serum and striatum GSH, TAC levels and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased. The treatment with GSE showed a protective effect against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. It improved most biochemical markers tested as well as histopathological features. It may be possible to use GSE for the prevention of neurotoxicity caused by exposure to pesticide or environmental neurotoxins

Efficacy of aloe vera extracts in attenuating neurological endangerment- induced by dexamethasone in adult male rats

The current study aimed at performing phytochemical screening of 24 plant samples belonging to Liliaceae family and investigating the phytosterols, hydrocarbons, fatty acids and amino acids content of Aloe vera plant parts [flowers, leaves, roots and stalks] and Aloe hijazensis [leaves and roots] as well as the isolation and identification of certain compounds from Aloe vera. The study was extended to investigate the possible potential role of methanolic extracts of different Aloe vera plant parts in attenuating neurological insult-induced by dexamethasone. Plants materials were collected from Saudi Arabia from different sources and were phytochemically screened according to the recorded procedures. The lipoidal matters were investigated by GLC and amino acids by HPLC and total proteins percentage was carried out. The structures of isolated compounds were established by GC/MS and NMR. Extracts were prepared for the biological evaluation and eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into ten groups, group [1] was served as normal control group; groups [6 to10] were intramuscularly injected with dexamethasone in a dose of 8 mg/ kg b.wt. / day. At the same time animal groups were orally administered with Aloe vera flowers [2 and 7], leaves [3 and 8], roots [4 and 9] or stalks extracts [5 and 10], in a dose of 32 mg/kg b.wt./ day. The study was extended to 28 days. Two Aloe species were selected from the 24 samples screened. Different plants parts of A. vera and A. hijazensis showed variation in their lipids and proteins chemical composition. One triterpene [lupeol] and mixture of sterols were isolated from leaves and roots of A. vera. Co-administration with A. vera extracts and dexamethasone produced remarkable effective role against hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Also, A. vera extracts could restore brain glycogen content and serum IGF-1 level. Moreover, A. vera extracts monitored each of brain ATPase and LDH activity. Interestingly, brain biochemical variables indicative for oxidative stress showed marked improvement on A. vera extracts supplementation. Improvement in brain glycogen level may be attributed to -sitosterol content of A. vera extracts [recorded in major quantity in all samples except roots in the present study] and the screening of A. vera extracts showed the presence of anthraquinones and coumarins which are known to have a powerful antioxidant activity. Simultaneous supplementation with each of A. vera extract and dexamethasone has an officious role in modulating neurological impact-induced by dexamethasone and this might be accomplished by their antihyperglycemic effects, antioxidative activities and cytoprotective properties

Neurotoxicity risk of repeated exposure to inhalants: potential role of melatonin and vitamin B as neuron protectors

The main objective of the current study was to elucidate the neurotoxic effects induced by repeated exposure to gasoline, perchloroethylene or toluene on male rats. The study was extended to evaluate the interventive role of melatonin, folic acid and vitamin B12 against the neurodegenerative insult produced by inhalants abuse. Ten experimental groups were assigned as follows: group [1] control group; group[2] The rats were exposed to gasoline vapors [3200 ppm] for quarter an hour / day; group [3] The rats were exposed to gasoline vapors then treated with melatonin [10 mg / kg b. wt]; group [4] The rats were exposed to gasoline vapors then treated with folic acid [200 mg / kg b. wt] and vitamin B12 [o.o4 mg / kg b.wt]; group [5] The rats were exposed to perchloroethylene vapors [800 ppm] for quarter an hour/day; group [6] The rats were exposed to perchloroethylene vapors then treated with melatonin; group [7] The rats were exposed to perchloroethylene vapors then treated with folic acid and vitamin B12; group [8]. The rats were exposed to toluene vapors [1000 ppm] for quater an hour / day; group [9] The rats were exposed to toluene vapors then treated with melatonin and group [10] The rats were exposed to toluene vapors then treated with folic acid and vitamin B12. The experiment was extended for 45 days. Brain lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA were measured. In addition, plasma total testosterone and DHEA-S were determined. Histopathological investigation of the brain tissue was also carried out. The results demonstrated that inhalation of gasoline, perchloroethylene, or toluene causes elevation of brain lipid peroxidation, GABA and plasma DHEA-S levels. However, these inhalants induced depletion of brain reduced glutathione, serotonin, dopamine as well as plasma total testosterone levels. Histopathological alterations in the brain of the rats exposed to inhalants were also observed. On the other hand, marked improvement was detected on treatment of the exposed rats with either melatonin or folic acid and vitamin B12. Melatonin supplementation exerted a better modulatory effect on the most of the measured parameters in rats exposed to gasoline than rats exposed to gasoline and treated with folic acid and vitamin B12. Rats exposed to perchloroethylene or toluene then treated with folic acid and vitamin B12 revealed more pronounced improvement in the most of biochemical parameters than that detected by melatonin treatment. Histopathological investigation of the brain revealed that the treatment of rats exposed to gasoline with melatonin produced more pronounced modulatory effect than that in case of treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12 as indicated by the appearance of healthy neurons and astrocytes. However, treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12 to rats exposed to perchloroethylene showed more curative effect than that in case of treatment with melatonin as indicated by observing the neurons more or less like control. Also, the treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12 to rats exposed to toluene showed better effect than that in case of treatment with melatonin as indicated by the appearance of the neurons as much as control, except of few neurons that appeared with some degree of degeneration. The current results clearly indicated the serious effect of inhalants on the central nervous system of rats. Treatment with melatonin or vitamin B was found to have a modulatory action against inhalant neurotoxicity

effect of early activity on patients outcome after open heart surgery

The postoperative phase is the most critical period for open heart surgery during which many serious and fatal complications can occur. Early physical activity can prevent such complications. The role of the critical care nurse is crucial in this concern. The present study aimed to examine the effect of early activity on patient's outcome after open heart surgery. Design: A comparative experimental design was applied. This study was conducted in the Intensive Care Unit [ICU] of Open Heart Surgery at Mansoura Main University Hospital. Sample: Fourty adults patients of both sexes undergoing open heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass and showing hemodynamic stability. An activity regime was applied to 20 patients who underwent such surgery. The results were compared to a matching control group. Early activity included positioning [supine, left and right sides], early ambulation [dangling, standing near the bed, chair sitting and walking] and chest physiotherapy procedures [coughing, breathing exercises, percussion, vibration and incentive spirometry]. Comparing the obtained data revealed a better outcome among the early activity group. This was manifested by better recovery in the respiratory features especially crackles and grade II dyspnea and lung functions [FVC, FEV1 and MVV]. In addition, lower postoperative rates of dysrhythmia and atelectasis were found among the early activity group. Moreover, early activity reduced significantly the length of stay in the ICU. However, no differences could be detected between the two groups concerning oxygenation and hemodynamic parameters and renal indicators. Combination of early activity and chest physiotherapy ameliorates the outcome of patients after open heart surgery. Performing early activity to such patients is recommended

Modulatory effect of the red sea soft coral extracts on hepatotoxicity induced by carcinogenic agents in rat model

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the presence of pharmacologically active components in the aquatic environment. Soft corals are prominent reef organisms in the Red Sea and are prolific sources of terpenoids, especially cembranoid diterpenes. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the extract from the aqueous MeOH [80%] extract of each of the three Red Sea soft corals: Sinularia polydactyla, Sarcophyton trocheliophorum and Xenia macrospiculata on hepatic toxicity induced by the carcinogenic agents 7, 12 dimethyl benz [a] anthracene [DMBA] and 12-Otetradecanoyl phorbol-13- acetate [TPA] in adult female rats. The results revealed that the liver functions were markedly improved and the levels of tumor markers as well as the inorganic free radical "NO" in serum were significantly decreased as a results of the treatment with three coral extracts. Moreover, treatment of DMBA and TPA-intoxicated groups with the coral extracts resulted in significant reduction in hepatic oxidative stress in concomitant with significant elevation in hepatic SOD activity as compared to the group intoxicated with DMBA and TPA only. Serum estradiol and corticosterone levels were high significantly decreased in the groups intoxicated with DMBA and TPA and treated with the three extracts compared to the group intoxicated with DMBA and TPA only. The soft coral Xenia macrospiculata extract, exerted the highest potential to inhibit hepatotoxicity induced by the tested carcinogenic agents. Each of the soft coral extracts has played a vital role in modulating the severe hepatotoxicity caused by the administration of the two carcinogenic agents DMBA and TPA. The liver functions were significantly promoted beyond normal status, while the hepatooxidative stress was markedly depressed. These results may provide new concept for development of effective therapies for some diseases involving hepatotoxicity

Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of novel aminoheterocyclic steroids as potent inhibitors of iron-induced oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to elucidate the potential role of novel synthesized aminosteroidal heterocyclic compounds 2, 5, 9b or 10c against iron-induced oxidative stress with particular insight on erythrocyte ghosts in male rats. Chronic iron supplementation [3000 mg/kg diet] for six weeks significantly increased plasma iron and ferritin levels. It also produced significant increase in plasma TN F-alpha and NO levels. Lipid metabolism was also affected by excess iron, so that plasma and erythrocyte membrane total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipids levels were significantly elevated. In consequence, a significant increase in plasma leptin level was detected. Iron overload clearly induces oxidative stress as indicated by the significant increase in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation levels. Noteworthy, excess iron not only decreased the mean value of erythrocyte membrane protein but also caused marked alterations in the membrane protein fractions with concomitant inhibition in:erythrocyte membrane ATPases activity. On the other hand, treatment with the aminosteriodal heterocyclic compounds especially compounds 5, 2, or 10c in an oral dose of 5mg/kg B.W/day could ameliorate almost all of the changes in plasma and erythrocyte ghosts components induced by iron overload. The efficacious role of these novel synthesized aminosteriods in preventing iron-induced oxidative stress may be mediated through their iron chelating properties, anti-lipid peroxidation activities and membrane stabilizing actions. The encouraging results obtained in the present study lend credence to substantial investigation to assess the use of these compounds as a potent line of therapy to retard the pathogenesis of iron-overload diseases

Dimiethyl-4,4' -dimethoxy-5,6,5',6' dimethylenedioxybiphenyl-2,2' -dicarboxylate [DDB] reduces the burden of alcohol-induced liver toxicity

Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for hepatitis that may lead to alcoholic cirrhosis, a major cause of death in many parts of the world. DDB is a hepatoprotective drug which is mainly used for treatment of chronic persistent and active hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of DDB against alcohol-induced liver injury and free radical generation in rats. Fifty male rats were divided into five treatment groups and treated for 4 weeks with alcohol 7.9 g/kg b.w. and DDB 50 mg/ kg b.w. during or before alcohol administration. The results revealed that alcohol administration resulted in a significant increase in MDA, NO, IL-1 alpha, TNF- alpha, leptin, cholesterol, TG, LDL-cholesterol, ALT, procollagen III, Pi-GST, bilirubin and estradiol Whereas, it caused a significant decrease in CAT, SOD, GPX and testosterone. Treatment with DDB during or before alcohol administration resulted in a significant improvement in all the tested parameters and succeeded to restore their values towards the normal values of the control Moreover, treatment with DDB during alcohol administration was more effective than the treatment before alcohol administration.

Reflection of some hormones and bio-elements changes on bone mineralization in hemodialyzed chronic renal failure patients

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between bone mineralization and kidney dysfunction in patients on regular hemodialysis and whether there is any effect of hemodialysis on some essential trace elements that affect the bone strength. The study was carried out on 20 subjects suffering from chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis [HD-CRF] and 20 matched healthy subjects as a normal control group. A significant decrease in serum calcium, calcitonin and aldosterone levels was detected in HD-CRF group as compared with the corresponding levels in the normal control group. Meanwhile, there was a significant increase in serum total alkaline phosphatase activity and total protein level in HD-CRF group as compared with their respective values in the normal control group. Oxidative stress was assessed by estimating some trace elements [Se, Cu, Zn and iron] as well as NO in serum. The results showed a significant increase in serum NO and iron levels concomitant with a decrease in serum Se, Cu and Zn levels in HD-CRF patients as compared with the normal control ones. In conclusion, a physiological distress is often detectable in HD-CRF patients. This includes the disturbance in the hormonal and trace element status that strongly affects bone mineralization

Protective role of balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract against aflatoxin-induced inhibition of some hormones in adult rats

The protective action of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract against the inhibitory effect of aflatoxin, especially that produced by Aspergillus parasiticus, on the serum levels of progesterone and prolactin in female lactating rats and testosterone in adult male rats was assessed. Two groups of female lactating rats [120-160 g B.W.] and adult male rats [120-150 g B.W.] were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 3 mg/kg B.W. of aflatoxin. Similarly other two groups of rats were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 3 mg/kg B.W. of aflatoxin followed by treatment, on the next day, with oral administration of 3 mg/kg B.W. Balanites aegyptiaca fruit monocarp extract daily for a period of 30 days [post-treatment]. Serum progesterone and prolactin levels in female lactating rats and testosterone in adult male rats measured on the 16th and 31st day after injection of aflatoxin showed significant decrease [p<0.001] as compared to the normal control group. Insignificant increase [p>0.05] in serum progesterone, prolactin and testosterone levels was detected in post-treated group after 15 or 30 days of treatment with Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp extract as compared to aflatoxin-treated group. Other two groups of rats were pretreated with oral administration of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp extract with a dose of 3 mg/kg B.W, daily for a period of 15 days followed by a single dose of 3 mg/kg B.W. of aflatoxin while continuing treatment with oral administration of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit mesocarp extract daily for other 15 days [prophylactic-treatment]. The serum progesterone and prolactin levels in female lactating rats and testosterone in adult male rats, measured at the 16th day and at 31st day showed significant increase at p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively as compared to aflatoxin-treated group

Potentiation of the protective effect of melatonin and cell protect in ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice

This study aimed to evaluate whether oral supplementation of melatonin [30mg/kg b.wt] and cell protect [150mg/kg b.wt] has a protective effect against the complications of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in adult female mice. Our results revealed that Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells affect the antioxidant defense system so that the levels of serum zinc and selenium were significantly diminished. Highly significant increase in plasma lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentrations was observed in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice. Liver functions were greatly affected by Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Highly significant increase in ALT, AST, AP and bilirubin was observed, whileas, a significant decrease in total protein and albumin content was detected. Total lipid, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C were significantly increased in the serum of at tacked mice. In addition, tumor markers in terms of alpha-fetoprotein and ferritin were markedly increased. Melatonin or cell protect supplementation prior to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell implantation produced pronounced prophylactic action against the damaging effect of tumor cells. This appeared from the significant increase in serum zinc and selenium with concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide concentration in the pretreated mice. As a result, the liver functions and consequently the lipid profile were greatly improved. Also, the protective effect of melatonin and cell protect was assessed by the significant increase in the survival rate of the pretreated mice

Biomedical and hormonal aspects of apple vinegar

Apple vinegar was used for controlling body weight and high cholesterol level. Based on the data, the uptake of apple vinegar in two doses [5 ml each] daily by healthy control and hypercholesterolemic volunteers of varying ages, for five weeks led to a nonsignificant decrease in the body weight. A significant decrease in serum cholesterol level was observed only in middle aged hypercholesterolemic patients. Serum triglycerides level showed a nonsignificant decrease in all the studied subjects. There was a nonsignificant change in blood hemoglobin level in all subjects before and after treatment with apple vinegar. Apple vinegar could increase the serum insulin level significantly in hypercholesterolemic patients by increasing second-phase insulin secretion. Serum triiodothyronine [T3] revealed a significant increase after treatment with apple vinegar in both healthy control and hypercholesterolemic patients, while thyroxine [T4] showed a nonsignificant increase. In in vitro studies, apple vinegar showed a marked antibacterial action and some antifungal effects