Wheat sprout effects on histological and histometrical structure and sperm parameters in testis of rat exposed to lead

Background: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins [especially vitamin E], minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract [WSE] and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate

Methods: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: Gl [control group] received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies

Results: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE [p<0.01]. Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index [TDI], Repopulation index [RI], number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE [p<0.00l]

Conclusions: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate

An evaluation of some oxidative and enzymatic biomarkers in different stages of naturally occurring copper poisoning in sheep

The early stage of Copper poisoning is difficult to be clinically diagnosed in sheep and has not been docu-mented clearly yet. To assess biomarkers in predicting early Copper poisoning in sheep, blood samples were collected from several groups of animals from a naturally Copper poisoning occurrence in an industrial region. Animals were divided into four experimental groups; Group A: far from polluted region [Control group], Group B: inside polluted region, apparently healthy and without any clinically jaundice manifestation, Group C: slightly with jaundice signs and hemolytic crisis phase, and Group D: with clear jaundice signs. After collecting blood samples from each group, the serum was analyzed for evaluation of liver enzymes and oxidative stress parameters in different stages of Copper poisoning. In each blood sample, CPK, GOT, AST, ALT, total thiol [T-SH] group, and total proteins were determined. The Copper concentration in the serum, liver, and kidney of the dead animals in group D were also determined. There were significant differences in the blood parameters in group C illustrated by elevated level of serum AST, CPK, and GOT activities and total thiol [as biomarker of oxidative stress] when compared to control groups. In group D, these enzymes, in addition to T-SH, and the total protein were significantly [p< 0.05] different from those of the control and the other groups. Measurement of Copper in serum, liver, and kidney of group D [at the end stage of hemolytic phase] confirmed Copper poisoning in these groups. Based on the findings of the present study, the measurement of the liver enzyme activities and total thiol just closed to critical hemolytic phase could be reliable biomarkers for predicting Copper poisoning in sheep

Effects of different culture media on optimization of primary neuronal cell culture for in vitro models assay

BACKGROUND: In vitro model studies are becoming increasingly popular for experimental research designs. They include isolation and expansion of cells of a particular tissue, such as the nervous tissue which contributes to understanding the underlying mechanisms in many pathologies. It enables the scrutinization of intracellular signaling pathways responsible for cell death.

OBJECTIVES: In the literature, there are different methods for the isolation and culture of rat embryonic cortical neurons. However, this study developed a feasible, rapid and easily performable method.

METHODS: Isolation of neurons was performed without using enzymatic digestion. Primary cortical cultures neurite outgrowth and neuron numbers per field of common mediums were compared for neuronal cells isolation and expansion. In this study, three different culture mediums were considered: Medium I: Neurobasal medium, B-27 and L-glutamine; Medium II: DMEM, FBS and L-glutamine; and Medium III: DMEM/F-12, FBS and L-glutamine.

RESULTS: High survival rate and number of neurons was obtained with the current method. The best neuronal growth was achieved by Medium I, while Medium II and III had moderate effect on the neurite outgrowth.

CONCLUSIONS: Enzyme-free treatment was introduced and Medium I was used as an alternative method for optimal neuron isolation and expansion. The neuronal cultures are similar to nervous tissue in physiological aspects. Hence, Medium I is more similar to the in vivo condition compared to Mediums II and III.

[Morphometrical and histometrical changes of kidney in immature mice exposed to aspartame]

Aspartame, as a synthetic sweetener, has been widely used in food products during the recent decades and renal excretion of aspartame lasts several days. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dose-dependent effects of aspartame on morphometrical and histometrical changes of the kidney in immature mice. 24 immature female Balb/C mice, were randomly categorized to three experimental and one control groups of 6 mice each. Experimental and control groups received aspartame100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw respectively and distilled water with the same method for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, the mice were weighed and anesthetized their right kidneys were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Body weight difference showed significant decrease in experimental groups of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg/bw [1.43 +/- 0.198, 1.64 +/- 0.281, 2.60 +/- 0.388] respectively compare to the control groups [4.65 +/- 0.139], length, width, diameter and weight of kidneys had significant decrease between experimental and control groups [p<0.05]. In the case of histometrical changes, the diameter of glomeruli, diameter of renal corpuscles and the height of epithelium of proximal and distal convoluted tubules showed significant decrease in experimental groups compared to control group [p<0.05]. The diameter of urinary space and lumen of proximal and distal convoluted tubules, experimental groups showed significant increase compared to control group [p<0.05]. This can be concluded that aspartame can induce morphometrical and histometrical changes in mice kidney

[Effects of co-administration of soy extract and vitamin D3 on serum calcium level and thyroid function in mice]

The Thyroid gland with two symmetrical lobes has an important role in metabolism of the body and regulating of calcium. Any factor making structural and hormonal changes in this gland can produce metabolic disorders. To investigate the functional changes of the thyroid gland following coadministration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, 42 mature female mice in 7 groups were studied for 35 days. Two doses of soy extract [5 and 10 g/kgBW/day]; two doses of Vitamin D3 [100 and 200 micro g/kgBW/day]; and, a combination of both soy extract and Vitamin D3 with two doses were fed to each mouse by gavage. At the end of the feeding trial, following anesthetizing by diethyl ether, mice were bled. Serum levels of calcium were determined by method Colorimetry, and serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH were determined by method Radio Immuno Assay. Data was statistically analyzed by the one way ANOVA test and significant differences were observed between groups [p<0.001]. Results showed the occurrence of a dose-dependent hypothyroidism in mice receiving only soy extract. In mice receiving only vitamin D3, significant and dose dependent increases of calcium levels, significant and dose-dependent decreases of TSH levels and, insignificant decreases in serum concentrations of T3 and T4 were observed. Finally, groups receiving a combination of high doses of soy extract and Vitamin D3, showed hypothyroidism. In conclusion, this study suggests that co-administration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, only in low doses, can balance the effects of individual use of these components on thyroid function and calcium homeostasis

[ effect of different levels of cadmium on the histopathological changes and the rate of lymphoid cells apoptosis of bursa of fabricius in broiler chickens]

Cadmium toxicity can cause kidney failure, liver damage and a weakened immune system in experimental and naturally occurring toxicities. This study was designed to investigate the effects of cadmium [Cd] on the histology and the rate of lymphoid apoptosis in the bursa of fabricius of chicken. One-hundred 20-day-old male Ross broilers were purchased and randomly divided into four groups. The control group [C] received no Cd, whereas groups 1, 2, and 3 had rations administered containing 25, 50 and 100 ppm cadmium as CdCl, respectively. At days 14, 28 and 42, seven chicks from each group were randomly selected and sacrificed. The bursa of Fabricius of each chick was removed, weighed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed for histopathology and assessment of the rate of lymphoid cells apoptosis. The apoptotic cells were demonstrated in paraffin embedded tissue sections using the TUNEL[terminal oxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling] method. The concentration of Cd in the liver samples was measured by atomic absorption. Areverse correlation between the levels of Cd in the rations and the body weight of the chickens [p < 0.01] was found. The concentration of Cd in the liver showed a positive correlation with the levels of Cd in the rations [p < 0.01]. The number of apoptotic lymphoid cells was significantly increased in those groups receiving higher levels of Cd [especially groups 2 and 3] [p<0.01]. Morphologically, plicas and lymphoid follicles of groups 2 and 3 were smaller than of the control group. In the histological analysis they were found to be hypocellular and some of them were edematous. Compared to the control group, there was an increase in the number of intraepithelial cysts in groups 2 and 3 at days 28 and 42. In addition, atrophic changes of bursal paranchyma were observed in group 3 after 42 days. It can be concluded that under experimental conditions the higher concentrations of Cd in the rations [50 and 100 ppm]has detrimental effects on the bursa of Fabricius of chickens

[Changes of serum biochemistry in short term toxicity with lindane pesticide in broiler chickens]

Lindane is highly lipid soluble toxin and persist in the environment, Its bioaccumulation occurs in the food chain from the environment to animals and humans. In order to evaluate the effects of high doses of lindane on the weight and serum biochemical parameters, twenty five old Ross broiler chicks [30day] were divided into control and 4 treatment groups of 5 chickens each. The chickens of control group didn't receive any toxin but the other groups received diets containing 150, 300, 600 and 900 ppm, lindane respectively. At the end of seventh day, animals were weighed and exsanguinated. Liver and blood samples were collected. The chicken weight decreased significantly in response to 600 and 900 ppm lindane compared to control, 150 and 300 ppm groups. The kidneys were affected in all groups compared to the control. Serum uric acid increased significantly. Although malfunction of kidneys were more severe in 900ppm titan the other groups. In 900 ppm group increased activity of AST were significant comparing to control and another groups [p<0.05]. Comparing to control and all groups the activity of CPK in the 900ppm increased significantly [p<0.05]. The other parameters in seum such as total protein, albumin and globulin, triglyceride cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL Index of lipid peroxidation byTBARs method and also beta carotene and vitamine A in serum and liver were not significant. So for evaluating of toxic effects of short term lindane administration, initially suggest that measure kidneys test [specially uric acid] and muscle test [specially AST and CPK] and should be not that the weight measuring is very important

[Study on hematology and serum biochemistry of common carp [Cyprinus carpio] after low cadmium concentration exposure]

High concentration of heavy metals or long time exposure to low concentrations of these metals can usually decrease the hematological indices in fish. Therefore the aim of this study was to indicate changes in hematology and serum chemistry of common carp [cyprinus carpio] after low cadmium concentration exposure. 60 apparently healthy common carp [mean weight of 700g] divided in two groups and transfred to 1000 liter indoor fiberglass tanks under controlled conditions. Treatment group was exposed to low concentration of cadmium [30ppb]. Blood were exsanguinated randomly from 5 fish in each group through the caudal vein at days 15 and 30 of exposure. The hematological and biochemical parameters [WBC, RBC, different count, hematocrit, total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations, albumin: globulin ratio, LDH, ALT, and AST] were determined. Results revealed that WBC counts decreased significantly on the 15th day of exposure [p<0.05]. Furthermore, WBC counts decreased significantly on the 30th day of exposure [p<0.05]. The levels of LDH after day 30 of exposure, significantly increased in the test group compared to the control. In the test group, LDH levels significantly increased at the 30th day of exposure. No significant differences have been observed between control and test groups in respect to the other parameters. This study showed that the exposure time for sublethal concentration of cadmium is an important factor for increasing the LDH levels in common carp

[Histopathological and ultrastractural changes of kidneys in response to cadmium chloride toxicity in broiler chickens]

Cadmium as a heavy metal has some detrimental effects on the health of living organisms. The aim of the present inventigation was to study the effects of cadmium induced toxicity on the kidney in a broiler chicken mode. Eighty four one day-old male Ross breed broiler chickens were obtained from a commercial poultry farm and randomly divided into four groups. While control [group 1] took no cadmium, groups 2,3 and 4 received a ration of 25,50 and 100 ppm cadmium [CdCl[2]] per day, respectively. At days 14, 28 and 42 seven birds were sacrificed and their kidneys were examined with both light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Data were statistically analyzed using 2- way ANOVA. Kidney lesions in the groups 3 and 4 were more severe than the group 2. Severity of kidney lesions showed both time and dose dependent manner increase so that all birds in groups 3 and 4 had severe kidney lesions. These groups received 50 and 100 ppm cadmium a day. Renal histopathology showed swelling, degenerative changes, necrosis and apoptosis in tubular epithelium as well as presence of hyaline casts and lack of kidney lymphoid tissue formation. It can be concluded that higher concentrations of dietary cadmium can induce kidney lesions in chickens through glomerular and tubular damages

[ effects of cadmium on blood parametens in broiler chicken]

To study the effects of various concentration of Cadmium [5, 50 and 100 ppm] on blood parameters in broiler chickens [Ross Breed]. Experimental study. Two hundred and eightyn Ross broiler chickens. The chickens were randomly categorized into 4 groups of 3 replicates each. The replicates were randomly distribued in 12 batteries. Blood were collected after 1, 2, 4 and 7 weeks and the values of RBC and WBC counts, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCHC, leukocyte differentiation and thrombocyte counts determined. ANOVA and Scheffe method. The valuse of RBC,PCV and Hb gradually showed increase during course of experiment in 5 ppm group compare to control. However there were no significant difference among groups. In 50ppm group RBC,PCV and Hb had decrease compare to control [p<0.05] but MCV and MCHC changes were not significant. Therefore, the anemia in the 50ppm group was normocytic normochromic type, while in the 100ppm group the valuse of RBC, PCV, Hb and MCHC had decrease [p<0.05], MCV, showed increase [p<0.05]. The results indicate that anemia in the 100ppm group is a macrocytic hypochromic type. WBC and heterophil counts showed increase between days 14 and 28 in 5, 50 and 100ppm treated groups compare to control. However the changes were not statistically significant. Furthermore, thrombocyte counts in 5ppm, 50ppm and 100ppm groups were significantly low [p<0.05]. It is concluded that cadmium administration causes gradual hematological changes which correlate with cadmium concentration in the diet