Hepatotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extract of Parkia biglobosa Seeds on Adult Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Parkia biglobosa belongs to the plant family Fabaceae and is popularly known as the African locust bean tree is gotten from medium-sized, tree high (20-20 cm), whose leaves are edible and are used in many African local dishes. The phytochemical screening of the methanolic extracts of P. biglobosa revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, terpenes, and phenols, reducing sugars, sterols, flavonoids. Methods: 21 adult Wistar rats (100-120 g) were distributed into 3 groups (A, B and C) consisting of 7 in each. Group B and C were administered orally with aqueous seed extract of P. biglobosa at a dose of 300 mg/kgB wt and 500 mg/kg B wt, respectively for 30 days. Group A was normal control and received 300 mg/kgB wt of normal saline. After 30 days, the weights were recorded and the animals were sacrificed using cervical dislocation. The changes in body weight, liver histology and enzymes were evaluated. Results: This study shows a significant difference (p<0.01) in the body weight gain between animals in the low, high and control groups, respectively. Photomicrograph of the liver tissue from animals in low dose reveals a liver cytoarchitecture with mildly dilated sinusoids, while the liver tissue from animals high dose group revealed a portal tract with dilated sinusoids. Results from histochemical observation of the liver of the control group showed marked periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining on predominant hepatocytes but little or no staining of cytoplasm, the low dose reveals a mild PAS staining while that of high dose shows moderate staining on tissue degeneration. Serum chemistry revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) AST and ALT in the test groups when compared to control group. Conclusion: Results from this study shows that the aqueous extract of P. biglobosa at a dose of 500 mg/kgB wt over 30 days may have adversely affected the morphology of the liver with the increase in serum levels.

Effects of acute oral exposure to acrylamide on histological structures of the stomach in Wistar rats / Efectos de la exposición oral aguda a la acrilamida sobre las estructuras histológicas del estómago en ratas Wistar

SUMMARY: Acrylamide is a toxic chemical substance with wide implementation in chemical industry. In 2002 the presence of acrylamide was discovered in foods rich in starch which are prepared at high temperatures. The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes in the gastric tissue in Wistar rats induced with injection of oral acrylamide. The research was carried out 6 groups of 5 animals (Wistar rats), two control groups and four experimental groups. Histological changes in the stomach tissue of Wistar rats are seen as a direct slight damage of the surface epithelium, accompanynig inflammatory reaction and renewal of the epithelium. Examined inflammatory and degenerative parameters show a positive correlation with respect to dose and time of exposition to acrylamide. Knowing the mechanism of action of these toxic substances, allows to apply adequate prevention in nutrition and make an appropriate choice of therapeutic methods.

RESUMEN: La acrilamida es una sustancia química tóxica con amplia aplicación en la industria química. En el año 2002 se determinó la presencia de acrilamida en alimentos ricos en almidón preparados a altas temperaturas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los cambios histopatológicos en el tejido gástrico en ratas Wistar inducidos con inyección de acrilamida oral. La investigación se llevó a cabo en 6 grupos de 5 animales, dos grupos control y cuatro grupos experimentales. Los cambios histológicos en el tejido del estómago de las ratas Wistar se ven como un ligero daño directo del epitelio superficial, que acompaña a la reacción inflamatoria y la renovación del epitelio. Los parámetros inflamatorios y degenerativos examinados muestran una correlación positiva con respecto a la dosis y el tiempo de exposición a la acrilamida. El conocimiento del mecanismo de acción de estas sustancias tóxicas permite aplicar una prevención adecuada en nutrición y hacer una elección oportuna de los métodos terapéuticos.

Cranial bone regeneration with collagen type I and polyvinylpyrrolidone (Fibroquel®) combined with hyaluronic acid in Wistar rats: morphological study / Regeneración ósea craneal con colágeno tipo I y polivinilpirrolidona (Fibroquel®) combinado con ácido hialurónico en ratas Wistar: estudio morfológico

SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to evaluate by morphological methods, if a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury could promote bone regeneration. 12 Wistar rats were divided in three groups, control group, bone injury without treatment and bone injury with treatment. After experimental period, bone samples were taken and stained with H & E, Masson trichrome, PAS-D, immunohistochemistry with anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody and applied a semiquantitative morphometric method. Treatment group showed extensive areas of collagen fibers in contact with normal bone tissue, areas of normal histology, PAS positive material and less cellular proliferation. We demonstrated for the first time that a mixture of Fibroquel® and hyaluronic acid implanted in an animal model of cranial bone injury promotes bone regeneration.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar por métodos morfológicos, si una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal podría promover la regeneración ósea. Se dividieron 12 ratas Wistar en tres grupos, grupo control, lesión ósea sin tratamiento y lesión ósea con tratamiento. Después del período experimental, se tomaron muestras de hueso y se tiñeron con H & E, tricrómico de Masson, PAS-D, inmunohistoquímica con anticuerpo monoclonal anti-PCNA y se aplicó un método morfométrico semicuantitativo. El grupo de tratamiento mostró áreas extensas de fibras de colágeno en contacto con tejido óseo normal, áreas de histología normal, material PAS positivo y menor proliferación celular. Demostramos por primera vez que una mezcla de Fibroquel® y ácido hialurónico implantado en un modelo animal de lesión del hueso craneal promueve la regeneración ósea.

Maternal Gestation Induced-stress Alters Reproductive Outcome in Adult Female Rats, Offspring Survival Rate and Sex–ratio

@#Introduction: Investigations relating to the effect of stress on reproductive outcome, offspring survival rate and chances of still births are currently attracting global concern. The present study evaluated the effect of maternal gestation induced-stress in the altered reproductive outcome of adult female Wistar rats, offspring sex – ratio and survival following exposure to different stress models. Methods: The study protocol involved two parts. Seventy-eight adult healthy female Wistar rats aged between 12 – 14 weeks and weighing between 150-180g were procured and utilized for part 1 study. The rats were exposed to three stressors; restraint, mirror and intruder, respectively, for three hours per day for three weeks. For part 2 experiment twenty-four female offspring rats from the part 1 study were used. Results: Exposure of rats to the varying stressors increased gestate on length, decreased mean pup weights and litter size at birth especially when the rats were stressed by exposure to restraint or intruder stressor. The effect of stress on gestation period, pup weights and litter size were largely variable and dependent on the nature of stressor applied. There was significant (p<0.05) reduction in the survival rates of offspring of rats exposed to the different nature of stressors especially when stressed with restraint or intruder stressors. The stressors’ impact was greatest when the rats were exposed to the varying stressors up to the end of the 2nd trimester and beyond. Furthermore, the male sex ratio of offspring of stressed rats was significantly (p<0.05) reduced than the females. Conclusion: Stressful maternal condition tends to compromise the fetal outcome, sex ratio specificity and the survival rate of offspring.

Protection against Ultraviolet B Radiation-Induced Oxidative Damage by Antioxidants on Liver of Female Wistar rat

Introduction: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation exposures induced toxicity and generate oxidative stress on liver tissue and their alternative effect on biochemical process. Curcumin (Cur) and ascorbic acid (AA) act as a good antioxidant and shown the protective effect on animal tissue. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult healthy female Wistar rats weighing 130–150 g were used. It is divided into four groups, the 1st group considers as control, the 2nd group considers as UVB treated, the 3rd group considers as UVB + Cur group, and the last 4th group considers as UVB + AA, exposure of radiation for 15 days. Results: We found that UVB radiation shown on the female Wistar rat alteration on the animal body weight, liver weight, lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione as compared to the control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that UVB radiation shows the harmful effect on female Wistar rat and little preventive effect of Cur and AA.

Ethanol extract of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb root improves the sexual performance of male Wistar rats

Background: Caesalpinia bonduc (CB) is an African tropical plant whose roots are used in traditional medicine as ethanol maceration for many purposes, especially for erection impairment. Objective: This study aims to examine the aphrodisiac activity of the ethanol extract from the root of CB in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups (n = 6): The Group 1, control received dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle), Group 2 received Viagra® (Sildenafil citrate) at 25 mg/kg body weight, and Group 3 received ethanol extract of CB root at 500 mg/kg body weight. Each treatment was administered once daily by gavages for 28 days, with the exception of Viagra® which was administered 1 h before each mating. On days 1, 14, and 28, the male rats were mated with artificially estrus female rats by hormonal treatment with benzoate estradiol and progesterone. The sexual behavior parameters as intromission frequency (IF), intromission latency (IL), mount frequency (MF), and mount latency (ML) were evaluated. The effect of the extract on serum testosterone level and histoarchitecture of testis was also assessed. Results: CB root extract increased significantly the IF (P < 0.001) and MF (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. Significantly decreased (P < 0.05) of ML and IL of rats were observed. Significant increases (P < 0.01) in testosterone levels of extract-treated group were observed. This is supported by cross sections of the testis that showed an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubes compared to the control group and those with Viagra® group. Conclusion: Findings in this study revealed that CB root enhanced sexual behavior in male rats and may play an aphrodisiac role that justifying its use in alternative medicine.

Effects of selenium and β-carotene combined on growth process and antioxidant capacity of rats / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To study the effects of selenium and β-carotene alone or in combination on the growth process and antioxidant capacity of rats so as to provide basic data for the joint application of the two in early prevention and treatment of chronic diseases caused by oxidative damage. Methods:Rats aged 7 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: Se group [sodium selenite 0.3 mg/(kg•d)], β-C group [β-carotene 10 mg/(kg•d)], Se+β-C group [sodium selenite 0.3 mg/(kg•d) +β-carotene 10 mg/(kg•d)]. The rats were intragastrically administered for 4 weeks, and those in the control group were intragastrically administered with the same volume of normal saline and corn oil. The rats were weighed every two days. Four weeks later, the changes of ALT and AST in the serum were detected by the automatic biochemical analyzer; the indexes of oxidation (MDA) and antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GSH) in the serum or liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px, the content of MDA in the serum of rats did not significantly differ between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). β-C significantly enhanced the activities of T-SOD and GSH-Px in rat liver tissue (P<0.05). Conclusion: Selenium and β-caroten alone or in combination have no harmful effect on the normal growth process of rats. The latter improves the anti-oxidative ability of rat liver tissue, and it has certain positive effects on the early prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.

Papel dos receptores ß1 e ß2 adrenérgicos sobre a diferenciação osteoblástica de células mesenquimais estromais da medula óssea de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos / Role of ß1 and ß2 adrenergic receptor on bone marrow mesenquimal stem cells osteoblastic differentiation from hypertensive rats

Introdução: O remodelamento ósseo é um processo complexo que depende do balanço entre formação e reabsorção óssea, mecanismo regulado pelas células ósseas e fatores sistêmicos, como o Sistema Nervoso Simpático (SNS). Os mediadores deste sistema são capazes de regular o metabolismo ósseo através dos receptores adrenérgicos expressos na superfície dos osteoblastos. Entretanto, o papel dos receptores ß-adrenérgicos ainda não está totalmente elucidado no processo de diferenciação osteogênica. Objetivos: avaliar o papel dos receptores ß-adrenérgicos na diferenciação osteoblástica de células tronco mesenquimais da medula óssea de ratos normotensos e espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR). Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar e SHR (10 semanas) foram utilizados para a coleta da medula óssea a partir do fêmur, as quais foram plaqueadas em garrafas de cultivo celular e depois em placas de 24 poços, onde receberam o meio osteogênico (MO: MEM, mais 50 µg/mL de ácido ascórbico, 10 mM de ß-glicerofosfato e 10-8 M de dexametasona), e o tratamento com Isoprenalina (0,01 µM), Carvedilol (1 µM), antagonista adrenérgico não seletivo, ou Nebivolol (0,1 µM), antagonista ß1-adrenérgico. O ensaio de proliferação celular (MTT) e a atividade de fosfatase alcalina (Fal) foram realizados nos dias 7, 10 e 14. A mineralização foi avaliada no dia 14 através do vermelho de Alizarina. A expressão gênica dos marcadores osteogênicos e dos receptores ß1 e ß2 adrenérgicos foi avaliada no dia 7 por RT-PCR em tempo real. A atividade proteolítica da metaloproteinase de matriz (MMP-2) foi avaliada no mesmo período utilizando zimografia. As vias da MAPK também foram avaliadas ao final de 7 dias. Resultados: A Isoprenalina reduz a fosfatase alcalina na linhagem de células Wistar nos dois primeiros períodos, e ao final de 14 dias apresenta um aumento significativo. A adição dos -bloqueadores reverte tal resposta. Em SHR a Isoprenalina proporciona aumento da atividade de fosfatase alcalina no período intermediário. O Nebivolol inibe essa resposta no mesmo período e, em 7 dias, é capaz de reverter a redução causada pelo agonista. A Isoprenalina aumentou a expressão de todos os fatores de transcrição e o bloqueio dos receptores reverteu essa condição A Isoprenalina aumenta a expressão de Opn, Ocn e BSP nas células de animais Wistar, e em SHR aumenta apenas Ocn e o tratamento com Carvedilol corrige. A atividade de MMP-2 também foi reduzida pelo Nebivolol apenas no grupo Wistar. Além disso, o Nebivolol reduziu a expressão gênica do receptor ß1-adrenérgico. O ensaio de mineralização mostrou menor deposição mineral em Wistar. O Nebivolol também mediou a redução da fosforilação das vias da MAPK neste mesmo grupo de células. Conclusão: Nossos dados sugerem que o receptor ß1-adrenérgico pode estar envolvido na diferenciação osteogênica de células de ratos Wistar mas não em células de ratos SHR(AU)

Introduction: Bone remodeling is a complex process that depends on the balance between formation and resorption bone, a process which is regulated by bone cells and systemic factors, like the Sympathetic Nervous system (SNS). The mediators of these system are able to regulate bone metabolism through adrenergic receptors on the surface os the osteoblastos. However, the role of ß-adrenergic receptors is not clear in he osteogenic differentiation process. Thus, in this study we aimed to evaluate the role of B-adrenergic receptor on osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from normotensive and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). Methods: 70-days-old male Wistar and SHR rats were used for bone marrow collection from femurs, which was placed in cell culture flasks and after in to 24-well plates, where they received osteogenic medium (OM: MEN, plus 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid, 10 mM ß glycerophosphate, and 10-8 M dexamethasone) and the treatment with Isoprenaline (0.01 µM), Carvedilol (1µM), non-selective adrenergic receptor antagonist, or Nebivolol (0,1 µM), ß1-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Cell proliferation (MTT assay) and alkaline phosphatase specific activity (Alp) were analyzed at day 7, 10 and 14. Mineralization was evaluated at day 14, by Alizarin Red S. Gene expression of osteogenic markers and B1 and B2-adrenergic receptor were evaluated at day 7, by real time-RT-PCR. The proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) were evaluated at day 7 using gelatin zymography. The MAPK pathway was evaluated at the same period. Results: Isoprenaline provides increased alkaline phosphatase activity in the intermediate period. The addition of Nebivolol includes this response over this same period and, within 7 days, was able to reverse the reduced agonist reduction. Isoprenaline increased expression of all transcription factors and receptor blockade reversed this condition Isoprenaline increases expression of Opn, Ocn and BSP in Wistar animal cells, and in SHR only increases Ocn and Carvedilol-corrected treatment. MMP-2 was reduced by Nebivolol treatment just at Wistar cells. Besides that, Nebivolol reduced Adrb1 gene expression at day 7 in Wistar group. Mineralization showed that Nebivolol reduced mineral deposition in Wistar. Nebivolol reduced MAPK proteins phosphorylation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that ß1 adrenergic receptor seems to be involved in the osteogenic differentiation of cells from Wistar rats but not in SHR cells(AU)

Effects of enteral ecological nutrition on intestinal immune function in intestinal mucosa of rats with small intestinal injury / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of enteral ecological nutrition on intestinal immune function and Hh protein expression in intestinal mucosa of rats with small intestinal injury and explore the mechanism. Methods Thirty male clean grade Wistar rats were selected as study subjects. The rats were randomly divided into a model group and an enteral ecotrophic group with 15 rats in each group. The small intestinal injury model was prepared by trauma method. After successful modeling, Six hours after successful establishment of the model, the rats in the two groups were fed with 753.12 kJ·kg-1·d-1 energy, 3 times a day. The rats in the model group were fed with conventional diet, while the rats in the enteral ecotrophic group were fed with enteral nutrition emulsion +Lactobacillus, bifidobacterium triple viable bacteria by intragastric administration of 1×107 cfu/d. After 10 days, the rats were killed, the small intestine of the two groups was dissected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the morphological changes of small intestinal mucosa (villus height, glandular recess depth, mucosal thickness) were observed in the two groups; the expressions of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ positive T cells in small intestinal mucosa were evaluated by immunohistochemistry; the expression of Hh protein in small intestinal mucosa was detected by Western Blot in the two groups. Results On the first day after the establishment of the model, the weight of rats in both groups was lower than that before the modeling [model group (g): 118.0±4.2 vs. 121.7±5.2, enteral ecotrophic group (g):117.5±4.7 vs. 120.8±5.0, P > 0.05], from the fifth day after the modeling, the weight of the rats in the enteral ecotrophic group was significantly higher than that of the model group (g: 127.1±5.0 vs. 123.2±4.2, P < 0.05), continued to 10 days (g: 142.5±6.6 vs. 135.3±6.2, P < 0.05). After the establishment of the model for 10 days, the small intestinal villus height, glandular recess depth, mucosal thickness and percentages of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ positive T cells in enteral ecotrophic group were significantly higher than those in model group [villus height (μm): 221.7±25.0 vs. 159.5±20.8, glandular recess depth (μm): 79.39±12.65 vs. 67.87±7.79, mucosal thickness (μm): 254.7±51.8 vs. 209.0±27.2, CD3+: 0.193±0.035 vs. 0.125±0.031, CD4+: 0.130±0.027 vs. 0.104±0.015, CD8+: 0.165±0.026 vs. 0.137±0.027, all P < 0.05]. The expression of Hh protein in the enteral ecotrophic group was obviously higher than that in model group (Hh/β-actin: 0.16±0.04 vs. 0.04±0.02, P <0.05). Conclusion Enteral ecological nutrition may promote the repair of intestinal mucosa and the improvement of immune function level by enhancing the expression of Hh protein in small intestinal mucosa of rats with small intestinal injury.

Biochemical and histological changes in the heart of post-partum rats exposed to Natron

Background The customary puerperal practice of Natron consumption has been identified as one of the predisposing factors in the etiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). This study was designed to investigate the effect of Natron in postpartum Wistar albino rats. Methods A total of 30 postpartum Wistar rats were exposed to different doses (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) of Natron for 28 days. After the treatment, we carried out biochemical analyses and histological evaluations of kidney, liver and heart. Results The study revealed that the exposure of postpartum rats to 100 mg/kg of Natron and above significantly (p < 0.05) increase the cardiac markers; myoglobin, creatine kinase-MB, troponin I and T as compared with control. The result of liver function indicated no significant difference in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, albumin and total protein of the Natron treated groups as compared with control. However, at higher doses, the levels of total protein, globulin and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly increased in comparison to the control. There was no significant difference in the kidney function markers of the treatment groups as compared with control. Histological examinations revealed no changes in the kidney of the treated groups. Mild portal triaditis was observed in the liver of the treated rats. The heart of the rats administered ≥100 mg/kg of Natron showed myocyte hypertrophy. Conclusion The study demonstrated that the administration of Natron for 28 days caused changes in the heart of postpartum rats and thus may contribute to the pathogenesis of PPCM.

Comparison of pathological characteristics of Wistar and Lewis rat models of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To study the differences of symptoms and pathological features of Wistar and Lewis rat models of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Wistar and Lewis rats were injected with intermixture of bovine TypeⅡ collage and complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA)for first immunization, then strengthen it after 14 days and observed the incidence of Wistar-RA group and Lewis-RA group. The degree of paws swelling and the titer of serum anti CII antibody were determined. The pathological changes in toe and joint tissues were examined at 12 weeks, and the expressions of VEGF, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A in the synovial membrane of ankle joint were detected. Results After collagen induction,the Wistar and Lewis rats showed paw swelling after 10 d and 14 d,and peaked at 21 d and 24 d,the titer of serum anti CII antibody was significantly increased at third week(P< 0.01), and arthritis index(AI)was also significantly increased(P< 0.01). In the Wistar-RA rat group, the rate of molding was 80%, and at fifth weeks, the swelling of the paws subsided and went into a flat level. The molding rate of the Lewis-RA group was 100%,at the seventh week,the swelling of paws subsided and went into a flat level. At 12 weeks,the two model groups showed severe articular cartilage erosion, synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration, neovascularization and pannus formation in the joint synovium,and the bone mineral density of the femur and tibia of the hind limbs was significantly decreased(P<0.01). The expression of VEGF,IL-6 and IL-17A in synovium was significantly increased(P< 0.05,P< 0.01). The expression of IL-10 was obviously decreased(P< 0.01). Compared with the Wistar-RA group,the paw volume and paw thickness were increased for a longer time in the Lewis-RA group,AI was higher than that of the Wistar-RA group,synovial angiogenesis and pannus formation were more distinct, the expression of VEGF in synovium was significantly higher than that of Wistar-RA group(P< 0.05), while the expression of IL-17A was significantly lower than that in the Wistar-RA group(P< 0.05). Conclusions Both the Wistar-RA rat model and Lewis-RA rat model show joint swelling,deformation and decreased activity. AI is increased,the expression of VEGF,IL-6 and IL-17A increased,and the expression of IL-10 decreased,which are consistent with the clinical manifestation. The Wistar-RA rat model has a short duration of swelling, while the Lewis-RA rat model has a longer swelling duration and more severe joint damages. The neovascularization and pannus formation are more obvious. The expression of IL-17A in the Wistar-RA rat model is higher, while the Lewis-RA model has a highly expressed VEGF,which may be related to its pathological characteristics.

Effect of noise pollution on serum hormone and Hsp-70 levels in rats / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To study the effect of noise pollution on serum hormone and heat shock protein-70(Hsp-70)levels in rats. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(normal), experimental group(further divided into 35,65 and 85 dB three groups), each group 10 animals, stimulated for 30 min once a day, continually stimulated for consecutive 20 days. On the 21st day of experiment,the serum noradrenaline(NA),testosterone (T),dopamine(DA)and Hsp-70 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results Compared with the control group, the body weight of experimental group(35, 65 and 85 dB groups)was reduced by 23.45%,30.13%, and 35.64%, respectively The serum T and DA levels were decreased by 9.12%, 20.06%, 37.99% and 15.49%, 8.31%, 24.88%, respectively; while the serum NA and Hsp-70 levels were increased by 35.08%, 171.52%,197.86%, and 39.34%, 195.09%, and 285.25%, respectively. All the result showed a significant difference(P<0.01). Conclusions Noise pollution can significantly affect the serum levels of hormone and heat shock protein-70 expression in rats.

Evaluation of naproxen-induced oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and in-vivo genotoxicity in male Wistar rats / 药物分析学报

Naproxen (NP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is used for the treatment of common pain, inflammation and tissue damage. Genotoxicity testing of NP is of prime importance as it represents the largest group of drugs to which humans are exposed. Not many genotoxic studies are reported on NP; therefore, the present study investigated the detailed genotoxic and oxidative stress properties of NP. Male Wistar rats were administered NP orally at the doses of 38.91 and 65.78 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities/levels were measured in the liver, kidney and brain tissues. The aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels were measured in the liver tissues. Micronucleus frequency (micronucleus test MNT) and DNA damage (comet assay) were performed in the bone marrow cells and leukocytes, respectively. The results showed that NP treatment decreased the GSH levels and increased the SOD, CAT, LPO, ALT, AST, ALP and TBIL activities/levels compared to the control (p < 0.05). Results of MNT showed an increased micronucleus induction and comet assay showed a significant increase in DNA damage in the NP treated animals (p < 0.05). Treatment of NP resulted in the biochemical imbalance and induced oxidative stress that deteriorated the integrity of the cells, which caused significant damage to the genetic material and affected liver function in male Wistar rats. Therefore, NP is a potential genotoxic agent that induces genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

EVALUACIÓN COMPORTAMENTAL DEL TRASPLANTE DE hMSC-GFP+ EN UN MODELO EXPERIMENTAL DE HEMIPARKINSON EN RATA WISTAR / Behavioral Evaluation of hMSC-GFP+ Transplantation in an Hemiparkinson Experimental Model in Wistar Rat

RESUMEN Se evaluó el efecto del trasplante de hMSC-GFP+ en un modelo experimental de Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) en 27 ratas Wistar con tres grupos experimentales: control: animales sin cirugía, (CON n=7), lesionado: animales lesionados intracerebralmente con 6-OHDA a nivel de SNpc (LES n = 10) y trasplantado: animales LES con trasplante de hMSC-GFP+ intraestriatalmente (LES-T n = 10). Con el fin de evaluar la influencia del trasplante en el comportamiento motor, un mes después de la lesión, se desarrolló una batería comportamental compuesta por Test Neurológico (compuesto también por Pole Test y Test de Barra transversal, además, de inmunofluorescencia para células de SNpc con TH). Utilizando el test de Anova, se demostró una disminución en el número de giros en animales trasplantados (p=0,005), así como en el test neurológico (p=0,0004) y en el Test de barra transversal, que colocan a este grupo en una posición intermedia con respecto a LES y CON. Existe una posible recuperación de la vía nigroestriatal mediada por el trasplante de hMSC-GFP+.

ABSTRACT The effect of hMSCs-GFP+ transplantation was evaluated in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in 27 Wistar rats, or in three experimental groups: control (CON n=7), injured (LES n = 10) and transplanted (LES+T n = 10). In order to evaluate the influence of the transplantation on the motor behavior, one month after the injury, rotation behavior induced by apomorphine, neurological test, transversal bar and SNpc cells positive to TH were developed. Using the Anova test, there was a decrease in the number of turns in transplanted animals (p=0,005) as well as in the neurological test (p=0,0004) and in the transverse bar that lead to this group in an intermediate position regarding LES and CON groups. There is a possible recovery of the transplantation-mediated nigroestriatal pathway of hMSC-GFP +.

Astragalus polysaccharide′s synergistic enhancement on Carvedilol′s improvement effects on heart function of rat with dilated cardiomyopathy / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective To study astragalus polysaccharide′s synergistic enhancement on Carvedilol′s improvement effects on dilated cardiomyopathy′s heart function.Methods SD rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy was established and divided into CON group (no treatment),CAR group (only Carvedilol treatment),APS group (only astragalus polysaccharide treatment) and C+A group (Carvedilol and astragalus polysaccharide treatment) according to their treatment methods.The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF),Tei index,high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α,interleukin (IL)-1,IL-6,IL-8,CD3+,CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets in four groups were detected and compared.Results The LVEF in C+A group and CAR group were significantly higher than those in CON group and APS group respectively (P<0.05,respectively),while Tei index in C+A group and CAR group were significantly lower than those in CON group and APS group respectively (P<0.05,respectively).The LVEF in C+A group was significantly higher than that in CAR group (P<0.05),while Tei index in C+A group was significantly lower than that in CAR group (P<0.05).The hs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-1,IL-6 and IL-8 in C+A group and APS group were significantly lower than those in CON group and CAR group respectively (P<0.05,respectively),while CD3+,CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets in C+A group and APS group were significantly higher than those in CON group and CAR group respectively (P<0.05,respectively).The hs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-1,IL-6 and IL-8 in C+A group were significantly lower than those in APS group respectively (P<0.05,respectively),while CD3+,CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets in C+A group were significantly higher than those in APS group respectively (P<0.05,respectively).Conclusion Astragalus polysaccharide has significant synergistic enhancement on Carvedilol′s improvement effects on dilated cardiomyopathy′s heart function,which may be related to the enhancement of T lymphocyte immunity and the decreasing of inflammatory reaction.

Dexamethasone inhibits IL-33 expression in the lung in a rat model of Aspergillus fumigatus-exposed bronchial asthma / 复旦学报（医学版）

Objective To investigate the levels of IL-33 in the lung induced by Aspergillus fumigatus (A.fumigatus) exposure in bronchial asthmatic rats and the effects of dexamethasone.Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into group A (normal control),group B (asthma group),group C (A.fumigatus-exposed group),and group D (dexamethasone-treated group).B,C and D group were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish asthmatic models.Then,group C and D were given A.fumigatus spores intranasally.Group D was pre-treated with dexamethasone during ovalbumin challenge.Group A was sensitized and challenged intranasally with normal saline as control.Airway hyperresponsiveness,eosinophils percentage and serum IgE levels were measured to confirm the establishment of asthmatic model.Expression of IL-33 in the lung were quantified by ELISA and qRT-PCR.Lung tissues and blood were plated on the potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and cultivated for 24 h to measure the number of colony.Results Eosinophils percentage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF),IgE levels in serum and IL-33 levels in the lung in group B and C were much more higher than in group A (P＜0.05),and the increasing range in group C was more obvious than group B.However,the changes of sRaw values in these groups had no statistical significance.Esosinophils percentage in BALF and IL-33 levels in the lung were significantly decreased (P＜0.05),and IgE levels in serum was slightly decreased (P＞0.05) in group D when compared with group C,but the ratio of A.fumigatus colonization in the lung was higher than group C.Conclusions Dexamethasone can inhibit the expression of IL-33 in the lung induced by A.fumigatus exposure in an asthmatic rat,but it also increases the risk of fungal colonization in the airway.Anti-IL-33 antibody treatment needs further research.

Enhancement of Gastric Ulcer Healing and Angiogenesis by Hepatocyte Growth Factor Gene Mediated by Attenuated Salmonella in Rats

The present study developed an oral hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene therapy strategy for gastric ulcers treatment. An attenuated Salmonella typhimurium that stably expressed high HGF (named as TPH) was constructed, and the antiulcerogenic effect of TPH was evaluated in a rat model of gastric ulcers that created by acetic acid subserosal injection. From day 5 after injection, TPH (1 × 10⁹ cfu), vehicle (TP, 1 × 10⁹ cfu), or sodium bicarbonate (model control) was administered orally every alternate day for three times. Then ulcer size was measured at day 21 after ulcer induction. The ulcer area in TPH-treated group was 10.56 ± 3.30 mm², which was smaller when compared with those in the TP-treated and model control groups (43.47 ± 4.18 and 56.25 ± 6.38 mm², respectively). A higher level of reepithelialization was found in TPH-treated group and the crawling length of gastric epithelial cells was significantly longer than in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The microvessel density in the ulcer granulation tissues of the TPH-treated rats was 39.9 vessels/mm², which was greater than in the TP-treated and model control rats, with a significant statistical difference. These results suggest that TPH treatment significantly accelerates the healing of gastric ulcers via stimulating proliferation of gastric epithelial cells and enhancing angiogenesis on gastric ulcer site.

Effects of Aqueous Stem Bark Extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus on the Serum Levels of Progestin and Estradiol and the Estrous Cycle of Wistar Rat.

Background: The effect of aqueous stem bark extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus (AEAL) on the reproductive cycle of adult female Wistar rat and the serum levels of ovarian hormones (estradiol and progestin) was studied. Methods: Twenty-four (24) adult female Wistar rats were used. Rats were divided into groups (I - IV; n=6). Group I was control and received distilled water; groups II, III and IV received AEAL (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, and 600mg/kg, oral, respectively) for the period of six (6) weeks. The estrous cycle changes were determined by daily observation of vaginal smear, while serum levels of estradiol and progestin was compared after the extract administration-using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: Result showed significant (p< 0.05) increase in the levels of serum progesterone and estradiol in groups II and III treatment; 19% higher when compared to the control. Treatment with AEAL at doses 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg prolonged di-estrus and estrus phases of the rats’ estrous cycle. The increase in the duration of the two phases (diestrus and estrus) was dose dependent, significant (p<0.05) when compared to the control. Conclusion: AEAL has effect on the reproductive cycle and serum levels of ovarian hormones of Wistar rats, hence of potential use in fertility related studies.

The Effect of Acute Co-administration of Fansidar® with Vitamin C on Some Serum Electrolytes and Body Weight Changes in Male and Female Wistar Albino Rats.

Aims: To investigate the effect of fansidar® and vitamin C co-administration on serum electrolyte and body weight indices of Wistar albino rats. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Cross River University of Technology, Okuku Campus, between August 2013 and June 2014. Methodology: Sixty (60) Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups I, II, III (n=20; 10 male, 10 female) weighing between 180-200 g. Group I was designated as the control and received distilled water, groups II and III were treated with 14.29 mg/kg body weight of fansidar® and 14.29 mg/kg body weight each of fansidar® + vitamin C respectively for 14 days. The animals were then sacrificed and blood collected for serum electrolyte analysis. Results: The results obtained showed that the serum [Na+] was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group II females only compared with control. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the serum [K+] of groups II and III males and group III females compared with control. There was also a significant (P<0.05) elevation of [CO2] in group II rats (irrespective of sex) compared with the control. The [Cl-] of only the males in groups II and III was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared with the control. The results of body weight indices investigated showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in mean weight increase (MWI) and growth rate (GR) of all the test groups compared with the control, however, group III compared with group II was significantly (P<0.05) increased. Conclusion: The alterations in serum electrolyte on fansidar® administration were pronounced in males than females except in the sodium electrolyte levels. The co-administration of vitamin C may reverse the adverse alterations in serum electrolyte and body weight changes caused by fansidar® administration.

"Changes of the mRNA expression of ""kidney yang deficiency""-related genes and ultrastructural observation of the hypothalamus in Lewis rats" / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To observe the changes of mRNA expression related to kidney yang deficiency and the ul-trastructure of hypothalamus in Lewis rats, and further study the constitution of kidney yang deficiency in Lewis rats.Meth-ods Ten 7-8-week old SPF male Lewis rats and twenty 7-8-week old SPF male Wistar rats were used in this study.The rats received subcutaneous injection of hydrocortisone to establish kidney yang deficiency model.The expressions of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, CRH, MR and GR mRNA in the hypothalamus of the two groups were detected and the ultrastructural changes of hypothalamus and adrenal gland were observed to compare the differences between the two groups, and to ex-plore the mechanism of kidney yang deficiency constitution in the Lewis rats.Results Compared with the normal Wistar rats, the expressions of GR and IL-2 mRNA in the hypothalamus were significantly increased ( P<0.01 ) , while the ex-pressions of CRH, TNF-α, IFN-γand IL-10 mRNA were significantly decreased in the Lewis rats (P<0.01).The zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex was slightly thinner, the mitochondria were slightly swollen and the amount of mitochondria was decreased.The nuclei of hypothalamic neurons were larger, and the mitochondria, neuron synapses and secretory vesi-cles in the presynaptic neurons were decreased.Conclusions There are abnormal expression of immune-related cytokines and CRH mRNA, and ultrastructural changes in the hypothalamus and adrenal gland of Lewis rats with kidney yang defi-ciency.Such changes may be related to the functional imbalance of the hypothalamus-pituitury-adrenal axis.