Physiochemical and nutritional evaluation of whole kumquat fruits powder and its protective effect on thyroid hormones and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats / Avaliação físico-química e nutricional de frutas inteiras de kumquat em pó e seu efeito protetor sobre os hormônios da tireoide e os níveis de açúcar no sangue em ratos diabéticos

The present study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and hypoglycemic effects of whole kumquat (Ku) powder in diabetic rats fed a high-fat-high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet. The antioxidant activities were evaluated using stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method, 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethyl benzo thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation (ABTS) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Total phenolic content was (51.85 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content was (0.24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE/g). DPPH and ABTS values were 3.32 and 3.98 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g where FRAP value was 3.00 mM Fe²+/kg dry material. A total of 90 albino rats were used in the present study. Rats group were as follows: normal diet; normal treated (2, 4, and 6% Ku.), diabetic rats (non-treated), diabetic + HFHC diet (non-treated), HFHC (non-treated), Diabetic (treated), HFHC (treated) and Diabetic + HFHC (treated). The diets were followed for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum glucose was recorded and thyroid hormones (T4, Thyroxine and T3, Triiodothyronine) were conducted. Diet supplemented with Kumquat at different concentrations have a hypoglycemic effect and improve the thyroid hormones of both diabetic rats and HFHC diabetic rats.

O presente estudo foi conduzido para avaliar a composição química, a atividade antioxidante e os efeitos hipoglicêmicos do pó de kumquat (Ku) em ratos diabéticos alimentados com uma dieta rica em gordura e colesterol (HFHC). As atividades antioxidantes foram avaliadas usando o método de eliminação de radicais livres de 1,1-difenil 2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis (ácido 3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfônico) radical cátion (ABTS) e antioxidante redutor férrico potência (FRAP). O conteúdo fenólico total foi (51,85 mg GAE / g) e o conteúdo total de flavonoides foi (0,24 mg Cateachin Equivalent, CE / g). Os valores de DPPH e ABTS foram 3,32 e 3,98 mg equivalente de Trolox (TE) / g, em que o valor de FRAP foi de 3,00 mM Fe²+ / kg de material seco. Um total de 90 ratos albinos foi usado no presente estudo. O grupo dos ratos foi o seguinte: dieta normal: tratados normais (2, 4 e 6% Ku.), ratos diabéticos (não tratados), diabéticos + dieta HFHC (não tratados), HFHC (não tratados), diabéticos (tratados), HFHC (tratados) e diabéticos + HFHC (tratados). As dietas foram seguidas por 8 semanas. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas ao final do experimento. A glicose sérica foi registrada e os hormônios tireoidianos (T4, Tiroxina e T3, Triiodotironina) foram conduzidos. A dieta suplementada com kumquat em diferentes concentrações tem um efeito hipoglicêmico e melhora os hormônios tireoidianos tanto de ratos diabéticos quanto de ratos diabéticos com HFHC.

Pouteria ramiflora leaf extract on emulgel in wound healing activity in diabetic rats / Ação do extrato de folhas de Pouteria ramiflora em emulgel na atividade de cicatrização de feridas em ratos diabéticos

The genus Pouteria has been studied because it presents various activities, among which is its anti-inflammatory potential. The effects of Pouteria ramiflora Carbopol gel on the healing of skin wounds in diabetic rats were evaluated by microscopic imaging. Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally in animals that had fasted for 12 hours, a situation confirmed by the glycemic index (> 240 mg dL-¹). An excision on the back of the animals was performed and three groups were formed: Control (Gel), Ethanolic extract (Ext) and Gel + extract 2% (Ext+gel); the histopathological evaluation occurred on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 30th days after the post-operative period. The results of the phytochemical prospecting of P. ramiflora extract demonstrated the major presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the assessment of the inflammatory infiltrate on the 7th day was higher on group Ext and Ext+gel when compared to group Control; on the 14th day control and Ext (p<0.05). The quantification of fibroblasts was higher on the 7th day among the three treatments, control and Ext (p<0.05), on the 21st day. Angiogenesis showeda higher number of vessels in Ext+gel group (p<0.05) on the 7th day; in Control, Ext and Ext+gel (p<0.05) on the 14th day; and Control and Ext (p<0.05)on the 21st day. The histopathological results showed that the formulation Ext+gel was efficient in tissue reparation and decrease in inflammatory cells on the diabetic's animals.

O gênero Pouteria apresenta várias aplicações terapêuticas e, dentre elas, grande potencial antiflamatório. Os efeitos do gel de Pouteria ramiflora sobre a cicatrização de feridas na pele de ratos diabéticos foram avaliados pela histomorfometria. A estreptozotocina foi administrada por via intraperitoneal em animais após jejum de 12 horas, a confirmação de indução da diabetes foi confirmada pelo índice glicêmico (> 240 mg dL-1). Foi realizada uma incisão no dorso do animal e foram criados 3 grupos de tratamento: controle (gel carbopol), extrato etanólico (Ext) e Gel + extrato etanólico à 2% (Ext+gel); a avaliação histopatológica foi realizada no 7º, 14º, 21º e 30º dias após o período pós operatório. Os resultados da prospecção fitoquímica dos extratos de P. ramiflora demonstraram majoritariamente a presença de compostos fenólicos e flavonóides; o infiltrado inflamatório avaliado no 7º dia foi maior para animais do grupo controle em relação aos grupos Ext (p<0.05) e Ext+gel 2% (p<0.05); no 14º dia o controle e Exp (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento significativo dos infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de fibroblastos foi elevada no 7º dia em todos os tratamentos. O processo da angiogênese mostrou um maior número de vasos sanguíneos entre os grupos Ext e Ext+gel (p<0.05) no 7º dia; no 14º dia o grupo controle, Ext (p<0.05), Control e Ext+gel (p<0.05) apresentaram aumento de vascularização, e no 21º dia apenas os grupos controle e Ext (p<0.05). Os resultados histopatológicos mostraram que a formulação gel carbopol + extrato etanólico a 2% foi eficiente na reparação de tecidos e na diminuição de células inflamatórias nos animais diabéticos.

Comparison of Lipopolysaccharide binding protein and C-reactive protein gene expression levels in a Rat model of induced Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of lipids within arterial walls that eventually go on to form plaques, which can cause narrowing, hardening, and/or complete blockage of arteries. This study was designed to examine the cholesterol feeding induction of cardiovascular diseases exemplified by atherosclerosis in rat and induction of CRP, LBP, SAP and P4H on the transcriptional activity of the inflammation / related gene expression by a semi-quantitative RT-PCR in liver and heart tissues, and make comparison between CRP and LBP as biomarker for atherosclerosis. Experimental Rats were fed with cholesterol diet [2.5% pure [wt/wt] cholesterol, 1% cholic acid and 5% oil] and sacrificed after 18 weeks of feeding. Histopathological examination for heart showed fatty cells deposition in atherogenic rats. Expression pattern of CRP, LBP, SAP and P4H genes were investigated, in liver and heart, these genes were highly expressed while some of them showed no expression pattern in heart tissues

[ effects of hydro alcoholic extract of dorema aucheri on blood concentration of gonadotropin and androgen hormones in adult male rats]

Dorema aucheri [Apieaceae] contains chemical compounds including flavonoids and coumarins. Flavonoids have estrogenic properties and coumarins have antiandrogenic properties. The compounds are very effective on the HPG axis. In the present study, the effect of Dorema aucheri alcoholic extract on LH, FSH, testosterone and DHT hormones on adult male rats were determined. This was an experimental study in which male adult rats were chosen and divided into 5 groups: control group which did not received any extract, sham groups which took distilled water, experimental groups, which orally took 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg of the Dorema aucheri extract for 28 consecutive days. Then the animals were weighed and the blood sample of each group was taken and used for measuring of the serum concentration of FSH, LH, DHT and testosterone. The collected data were analyzed by the SPSS software using ANOVA and t-test. The results revealed no differences in the average weight of the body and concentration of FSH hormone in the experimental group compared with the control and sham group. However significant difference was found between the concentration of LH, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the experimental group compared with the rest groups. Concentration of testosterone in the minimum dosage of extracts showed significant increase while significant decrease was seen in the higher dose. Significant increase was seen in the concentration of LH in all doses. DHT serum concentration in the minimum dose showed significant decrease while significant increase was seen in higher dosage. It seems that the flavonoids compound of Dorema aucheri extract caused the LH hormone to increase prolactin. Using the extract increases the LH hormone and inhibition of aromatase and 5 alfa reductase enzymes cause the testosterone and DHT hormone to increase in higher dosage

Estereología comparativa entre el bazo del cuye (Cavia porcellus) y la rata (Rattus novergicus, Sprague Dawley) / Comparative stereology between the spleen of the Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) and the rat (Rattus novergicus, Sprague Dawley)

El bazo es el órgano linfático periférico más grande del organismo y conocer sus aspectos morfológicos cuantitativos es importante para determinar posibles patologías. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar en dos especies: cuye (Cavia porcellus) y rata (Rattus novergicus Sprague Dawley), las características estereológicas del bazo, para obtener patrones de normalidad cuantitativos, los que servirán de base para futuros estudios morfofuncionales. Se utilizaron 5 bazos de cada especie, clínicamente sanos, obtenidos del Bioterio de la Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. Los bazos fueron disecados y fijados en formalina tamponada al 10 por ciento y se determinó el volumen de éstos por el método de Scherle. Se obtuvieron 5 trozos por medio de Orientador los que fueron incluidos en paraplast. De cada trozo se obtuvieron 5 cortes histológicos de 3 micrones m de grosor y separados 200 micrones m entre sí, los cuales fueron teñidos con H-E. El porcentaje de pulpa roja, pulpa blanca y zona marginal en el bazo del cuye fue: 65,14 por ciento, 21,96 por ciento y 12,67 por ciento, respectivamente, y en la rata 53,9 por ciento de pulpa roja, 25,75 por ciento pulpa blanca y 15,87 por ciento de zona marginal. El número total de folículos fue 8,33 x 10² y 5,73x 10² para el cuye y la rata, respectivamente. Los resultados concuerdan con los obtenidos por otros autores, pudiéndose señalar un patrón cuantitativo del porcentaje de los compartimentos esplénicos de normalidad, que se podría considerar para futuros estudios morfo-funcionales.

The spleen is the largest peripheral lymphoid organ of the body so it is essential to know their morphological quantitative aspects in order to identify potential abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine the parameters stereological spleen in normal two species commonly used in research such as the guinea pig and rat, to obtain quantitative patterns of normality, which will serve as a basis for future studies morphofunctional. 5 spleens were used for each species (Cavia porcellus and Rattus novergicus, Sprague Dawley) obtained from biotery the Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. The spleens were dissected and fixed in formalin buffered to 10 percent and the volume is determined by the of Scherle method. 5 pieces were obtained through Orientator and these were included in paraplast. Each piece was performed histological cuts of 3 mm thick and separated 200 µm each other, which were stained with H-E. The percentage of redpulp, whitepulp and marginal zone in the Guinea pig was: 65.14 percent, 21.96 percent and 12.67 percent respectively, and in the rat 53.9 percent pulpred, 25.75 percent whitepulp and 15.87 percent of marginal zone. The total number of follicles was 8.33 x 10²follicles and 5.73 x 10² follicles for the Guinea pig and rat, respectively. The results are consistent with those obtained by other authors might identify a pattern of quantitative percentage of splenic compartments of normality that could be considered for future studies morpho-functional.

Effect of warfarin anticoagulant rodenticide on the blood cell counts of Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus

The effect of the warfarin LD50 on the counts of the blood cells of Norway rat, Rattus norvegicus and roof rat, Rattus rattus from Giza and Qualyobia Governorates was investigated in the laboratory. Warfarin toxication caused significantly different blood cell counts in treated rats compared to control ones. Warfarin significantly decreased the total erythrocytic count and increased the total leucocytic count of treated rats. But, it caused significant de-crease in neutrophrils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes, but significant increase in lymphocytes. The data also showed that in survived rats, WBC count equaled the normal level or slightly exceeded it at 33/43 days post treatment

potential effect of lactobacillus plantarum on health

The potential effect of Lactobacillus plantarum as a probiotic bacteria in controlling hypercholesterolaemia was studied. Lactobacillus plantarum was supplied in a single form or in mixture with Lactobacillus paracasei or other strains of bacteria. Rats consumed these microorganisms daily for 42 days. Eighty eight rats were divided into eleven homogeneous groups, each group consists of eight male albino rats, Sprague Dawley strain, weight ranged from [105-117.5 g]. All groups were fed on basal diet supplemented with high fat, high cholesterol [15% saturated fat + 1% cholesterol + 0.2% bile salt] except group [1] which fed on high fat only [15% saturated fat]. Results obtained revealed that the mixed groups had a significant decreasing effect on gain in body weight and feed intake/day higher than single groups. While they had a higher significant decreasing effect on total lipid, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol of serum and liver, also had a higher significant increasing effect on serum HDL-C than the single groups. These results indicate that Lactobacillus plantarum had a high significant decreasing effect and when mixed with the other strains to produce mixed groups [G8-G11]; increased their hypocholesterolaemia effect more than these strains in a single form [G4-G7]. It could be concluded that the supplementation with different probiotic bacteria as Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paracasei and other organisms to control hypercholesterolaemia, consequently, to avoid the risk of coronary heart disease

Bioavailability to rat and toxicity of bound 14 C - pirimiphos-methyl residues in stored soybeans

The amount of bound residues of 14C-pirimiphos-methyl in stored soybeans was determined to examine their bioavailability and toxicological potential in the experimental animals. Whole seeds of soybeans were treated with 14C-pirimiphos-methyl insecticides at a dose of 30 mg/kg and stored for 24 weeks. The level of total internal and bound insecticide residues represented 60% and 4-5% of the actual dose, respectively. Feeding rats with the soybeans-bound residues for 72 hours, revealed that these residues were bioavailable. The main excretion route was the urine [40%] and feces [108%], while a small amount [6%] could be detected in the expired air. About 25% of the administered radioactivity was detected among various organs of the rat. Chromatographic analysis of urine showed the presence of some free as well as conjugated metabolites of pirimiphos-methyl. Subchronic feeding experiments on mice for 90 days with a diet containing the bound pesticide residues at a dose of 1.6 ppm/day/mouse caused no significant symptoms of toxicity during the period of the experiment. Both plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterases suffered a slight inhibition during the first 15 days. The blood picture and liver function enzymes showed no significant differences from control values. A significant increase in the level of blood urea nitrogen was observed; Whereas, creatinine clearance showed only a slight increase as compared with controls

Cell to stroma contacts in the tunica media of the hypertensive rat thoracic aorta

The variation in mechanical stress to which the aortic wall is subjected requires that forces be transmited between its components by means of relatively strong but compliant attachments. We have used transmission electron microscopy in order to study the cell to stroma contacts (smooth muscle cell-elastic fiber contact) in the tunica media of normotensive and hypertensive aortas of Sprague-Dawley rats. Hypertension was produced with a silver clip positioned around the left renal artery and the vessels were fexed by intravital perfusion at normal and elevated pressure. In ultrathin sections, the density of cell to stroma contacts per 100 µm cell perimeter and per 100 cell profiles were determined using an image analysis computer. In the hypertensive group the density of cell to stroma contacts fell considerably when compared with the control group. This research provides insights into the conditions under which high blood pressure may produce medial injuries and, perhaps, be a factor in the precipitation of dissections

Effect of bromocriptine [parlodel] on hormonal profile of the adult male albino rats with special reference to changes in histologieal structure of the testes

Bromocriptine [Parlodel] is used for treatment of hyperprolactinemia in men, prolactin related hypogonadism [oligospermia-loss of libido, impotence]. It acts as stimulator for dopamine receptor. In this experiment, 60 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups. The first kept as control, injected with normal saline. Both the second and third groups were injected once daily with intramuscular [I/M] doses of 10 and 20 mug of bromocriptine dissolved in 0.4 ml of distilled water, respectively. Blood samples were collected after one and two weeks from treatment and plasma were separated and stored at -20C for hormone assay using RIA technique. The results indicated significant increase in testes weight, decrease in plasma levels of prolactin and testicular histamine concentration; while LH, FSH and testosterone were increased significantly with increasing the dose and time of treatment. The histological findings of the testes revealed changes including edema, exploration of seminiferous epithelium which increased after administration of the larger dose [20 mug] for two weeks

Effect of nigella sativa seeds [black seeds] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters in rats

The effect of two different doses of Nigella sativa seeds [N.S.S.] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters was investigated in male rats. The animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group was injected with saline and kept as a control. The second group was injected with 0.4 ml N.S.S. extract/kg B.W. [low dose], while the third group received the high dose [0.8 ml N.S.S. oil/kg B.W.]. All the injections were performed S/C once daily for one week. The present study revealed that the low dose of N.S.S. extract caused a significant increase in the concentrations of Hb, PCV and in the percentage of lymphocytes. Although, there was a significant increase in the number of RBCs. While, the WBCs count and the percentage of neutrophils, acidophils, basophils and monocytes were not significantly changed. The high dose of N.S.S. extract did not induce significant changes in all the studied hematological parameters. With respect to the biochemical parameters, the results showed that the cholesterol level was highly significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly increased in the group treated with the low dose of N.S.S. extract, while those treated with high dose were not affected. The serum albumin and urea were nonsignificantly affected in both treated groups. The serum glucose was significantly decreased in rats injected by the low dose, whereas the high dose did not exert the same effect

An unusual morphological type of Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi (Kent, 1880) detected in the blood of Rattus norvegicus in India.

An unusual morphological type of Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma) lewisi (Kent, 1880) which was detected in Rattus norvegicus in India is reported in the present study. This type is different from known types of T. lewisi in that the kinetoplast is at a greater distance from the posterior end (P-K) than the usual type. The total length, including the free flagellum, is 35.3-39.3 microns and P-K is 11.9-15.0 as against total length of 21 to 36.5 microns in the normal form.

Toxicological effects of pirimiphos-methyl and deltamethrin on albino rats

Multi-dose effect of pirimiphos-methyl and deltamethrin on some blood parameters, liver protein content, blood glucose, cholinesterase glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase were studied at sub-lethal doses [0.1 LD50 and 0.25 LD50]. The obtained data domenstrated that total leukocytes were significantly increased, with the exception in case of pirimiphos-methyl at 0.1 LD50, but the other blood parameters were not affected. Liver protein and blood sugar were affected apparently after exposure to deltamethrin. The biochemical data showed significant inhibition of cholinesterase activity after exposure to pirimophos-methyl, on the other hand, deltamethrin has no effect, Glutamic oxaloacetic and glutemic pyruvic transaminase activities were markedly increased due to the insecticides treatment