ABSTRACT
Insulin resistance (IR) is a major public health problem that can lead to many dangerous medical disorders and earlymortality. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of resveratrol (RSV) to counteract the neuro-complicationsaccompanying high fat, high fructose (HFHF) diet experimentally induced-IR in rats. IR was induced by the ingestion ofHFHF diet for 70 days, 80 juvenile rats were used, and the treatments were given orally for the diet latest 10 days. Rats’general behavior was assessed by open field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST). On biochemical level; neurocomplications were assessed by measuring brain levels of monoamines and their metabolites as well as the levels of8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHDG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced and oxidizedglutathione (GSH and GSSG) and nitric oxide (NOx). Oral RSV (20 and 40 mg/kg p.o) increased the activity ofthe rats in the OFT and decreased the immobility period in the FST in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, RSVreduced monoamines turnover, elevated GSH, and reduced GSSG, NOx, MDA, 8-OHDG, and TNF-α (p < 0.05).RSV exhibited neuro-protective activities against HFHF-induced IR, thus it can be recommended as a favorable dailydietary supplement for treating the neuronal side effects related to IR.
ABSTRACT
Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenol with diverse biological activities, including potent hepato-protective and antidepressant-like effects. Fluoxetine (FLX) is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs, however; it has recently been postulated to induce liver damage. The present study aimed to assess the benefits of combining half the conventional doses of RSV and FLX in an acute reserpine model of depression. Depression was induced in mice by a single i.p. reserpine injection. Oral administration of FLX (10 mg/kg), RSV (80 mg/kg) or their combination (FLX; 5 mg/kg and RSV; 40mg/kg) started one hour after reserpine injection and daily for the following two consecutive days. Behavioral tests were performed on the third day. Brain monoamines were assessed. Prevention of neurodegeneration and preservation potential of the DNA integrity were determined according to the brain nitric oxide and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine contents. Effect on oxidative stress in both brain and liver was evaluated. Results revealed that combining half the dose of FLX with RSV showed antidepressant activity that was comparable to the effect of using FLX alone and in conclusion; we recommend that further investigations should be conducted to assess the applicability of using combinations of RSV and FLX to treat depression.
ABSTRACT
Depression is one of the most serious and common mental diseases with major negative social consequences. Transresveratrol [trans-3,5,4´-trihydroxystilbene] is a polyphenolic compound with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. It has been detected in some fruits and herbs, including the Asian plant Polygonum cuspidatum. The aim of this study was to assess the antidepressant-like effect of transresveratrol in a reserpine subchronic model of depression. Depression-like behaviours were induced in rats by reserpine injection [0.25 mg/kg, subcutaneously] every 48 h, for 20 days. Transresveratrol [60 and 120 mg/kg] and fluoxetine [10 mg/kg] were administered orally daily during the 20 days of the study. Behavioural tests, namely, open-field test and forced swimming test, as well as brain neurotransmitters levels and antioxidant contents and liver functions, were assessed. Data revealed that transresveratrol improved the rats' behaviour in both the open-field test and forced swimming test, and also elevated the brain's neurotransmitter content, normalized the liver enzymes level, and improved the antioxidant status of both the brain and liver, compared with those of fluoxetine. The present study provided a clear evidence for the antidepressant-like of transresveratrol in the experimental model of depression. Further investigations are required to investigate the mechanism of action of transresveratrol as well as its applicability to be used as an antidepressant
ABSTRACT
Ease of handling as well as efficacy of a new terbutaline inhalation device--Bricanyl Turbuhaler--were evaluated among eighty-six Asian children with mild to moderate asthma with a mean age of 8.7 years (range 5 to 14 years) in an open, non-comparative trial. Clinical evaluations were performed on four occasions, ie at the beginning of the run-in period, at the start of the study medication, after 2 weeks of treatment and after a total of 4 weeks of treatment. Appraisal of handling technique was performed by the investigator at the start and end of treatment. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) was determined at each visit. Diaries were also kept throughout this time; PEF and asthma symptom scores were recorded every morning and evening. Maximum scores for inhalation technique were achieved by 73% of patients after combined written and verbal instructions at the start of the study and 99% of patients achieved this score at the end of the 4 week treatment period with Bricanyl Turbuhaler. Assessment revealed that approximately 90% of the patients considered loading, inhalation and handling of the Turbuhaler device to be easy, and 90% considered it to be effective in affording symptom relief. Improvements in PEF and reductions in asthma symptoms were observed during the Bricanyl Turbuhaler treatment, as compared to baseline values. All patients tolerated the study medication well without any serious adverse events. We concluded that this group of Asian children were able to use this new "Turbuhaler" device of terbutaline without any difficulty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)