Vitamin E protects against hepatocyte ultrastructural damage induced by high fat diet in a rat model of pre-diabetes / La vitamina E protege contra el daño ultraestructural de los hepatocitos inducido por la dieta alta en grasas en un modelo de pre-diabetes en ratas

SUMMARY: We sought to investigate the potential protective effect of Vitamin E supplementation against hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations induced by high fat diet (HFD) in a rat model of pre-diabetes. Therefore, rats were either fed with HFD (model group) or a standard laboratory chow (control group) for 12 weeks before being sacrificed. The protective group fed on a HFD and started the treatment with vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) from day 1 until being sacrificed at week 12. The harvested liver tissues were examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and blood samples were assayed for biomarkers of liver injury and prediabetes. TEM images showed that HFD induced profound pathological changes to the hepatocyte ultrastructure as demonstrated by degenerated hepatocytes with damaged cytoplasm that have mitochondrial swelling, dilation of endoplasmic reticulum, blebbing of plasma membranes, and cytoplasmic accumulations of lipid droplets and vacuoles, which were substantially but not completely protected with vitamin E. In addition, HFD significantly (p<0.05) augmented biomarkers of liver injury and pre-diabetes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which were significantly (p<0.05) reduced with vitamin E except TNF-α and TC. Furthermore, none of these biomarkers were reduced to the control level by vitamin E. We conclude that vitamin E is a partial protective agent against HFD-induced liver injury and pre-diabetes.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el posible efecto protector de la administración de suplementos de vitamina E contra las alteraciones ultraestructurales de los hepatocitos inducidas por una dieta rica en grasas (DRG) en un modelo de prediabetes en ratas. Antes de ser sacrificadas las ratas fueron alimentadas con DRG (grupo modelo) o un alimento estándar de laboratorio (grupo control) durante 12 semanas. El grupo protector se alimentó con una DRG y comenzó el tratamiento con vitamina E (100 mg/kg/día, i.p) desde el día 1 hasta sacrificarlo en la semana 12. Los tejidos hepáticos recolectados se examinaron mediante microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET) y se tomaron muestras de sangre y se analizaron los biomarcadores de daño hepático y prediabetes. Las imágenes de MET mostraron que el DRG indujo cambios patológicos profundos en la ultraestructura de los hepatocitos, como lo demuestran los hepatocitos degenerados con citoplasma dañado e hinchazón mitocondrial, dilatación del retículo endoplasmático, formación de ampollas en las membranas plasmáticas y acumulaciones citoplásmicas de gotas de lípidos y vacuolas, los que fueron sustancialmente protegidas con vitamina E. Además, DRG aumentó significativamente (p <0,05) los biomarcadores de daño hepático y prediabetes como alanina aminotransferasa (ALT), aspartato aminotransferasa (AST), factor de necrosis tumoral alfa (TNF-α), malondialdehído (MDA), colesterol total (CT), triglicéridos (TG) y lipoproteína de colesterol de baja densidad (LDL-C), la cual se redujo significativamente (p <0,05) con vitamina E, excepto TNF-α y CT. Ninguno de estos biomarcadores se redujo al nivel de control por la vitamina E. Concluimos que la vitamina E es un agente protector parcial contra la lesión hepática inducida por DRG y la prediabetes.

Can thiamine pyrophosphate prevent desflurane induced hepatotoxicity in rats?

ABSTRACT PURPOSE : To investigate the effects of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) against desflurane induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS : Thirty experimental animals were divided into groups as healthy (HG), desflurane control (DCG) , TPP and desflurane group (TDG). 20 mg/kg TPP was injected to intraperitoneally TDG. After one hour of TPP administration, desflurane was applied for two hours. After 24 hours, liver tissues of the animals killed with decapitation were removed. The oxidant/antioxidant levels and ALT, AST and LDH activities were measured. The histopathological examinations were performed in the liver tissues for all rats. RESULTS : Notwithstanding the levels of oxidants and liver enzymes were significantly increased (p<0.0001), antioxidant levels were significantly decreased in DCG (p<0.0001). On contrary to the antioxidant parameters were increased (p<0.05) the oxidant parameters and liver enzymes were decreased in TDG (p<0.0001). Whereas multiple prominent, congestion, hemorrhage and dilatation were observed in sinusoids and lymphocyte-rich inflammation results in the centrilobular and portal areas of liver tissue in DCG, these findings were observed less frequently in TDG. CONCLUSİON : Thiamine pyrophosphate prevented liver oxidative damage induced with desflurane and may be useful in prophylaxis of desflurane induced hepatotoxicity.

Grape seed protects cholestatic rats liver from ischemia/reperfusion injury

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To determine the effect of grape-seed extract against ischemia/reperfusion injury in cholestatic liver. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups. In control and study groups, cholestasis was provided by bile duct ligation. Seven days later, the rats were subjected to 30 min hepatic ischemia, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Oral administration of 50 mg/kg/day grape-seed extract was started 15 days before bile duct ligation and continued to the second operation in the study group. Serum, plasma and liver samples were taken. Laboratory analysis, tissue gluthation, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase levels and histopathological examination were performed. RESULTS: Significant decrease in liver gluthation level and significant increase in malondialdehyde level and myeloperoxidase activity were observed after ischemia/reperfusion in cholestatic rats. Serum and plasma levels for laboratory analysis were also significantly higher in cholestatic I/R group. Hepatic necrosis and fibrosis were detected in histopathological examination. Oral grape-seed extract administiration reversed all these parameters and histopathological findings except serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSION: Oral grape-seed extract treatment can improve liver functions and attenuate the inflammation and oxidative stress in cholestatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Moringa oleifera impairs the morphology and functions of the kidney in adult Wistar rats / Moringa oleifera altera la morfología y funciones del riñón en ratas Wistar adultas

We tested the hypothesis that Moringa oleifera impairs the morphology and functions of the kidney in rats. Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were employed in the study. Rats of Control Group I received physiological saline while rats of Groups II ­ IV received 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bodyweight of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera respectively for twenty one days. No behavioral anomalies were observed in rats of Groups I ­ IV. Rats of Control Group I gained statistically significant increased bodyweight while rats of Groups II ­ IV experienced non-significant decreased bodyweight during experimental procedure. (P0.05). No statistical significant differences (P0.05) were observed in the analyses of the relative weights of kidneys of rats of Groups I ­ IV. Histological examinations showed normal cyto-architecture of the kidneys of rats of Group I while the Capsular spaces of the kidneys of rats of Groups II ­ IV appeared wider than those of Group I. Statistical analyses showed significant higher levels (P0.05) of Alanine and Aspartate Transaminases, and serum urea in rats of Groups II ­ IV in a non- dose-dependent manner when compared to rats of Group I. Our findings are consistent with the stated hypothesis.

Se puso a prueba la hipótesis que Moringa oleifera altera la morfología y función del riñón en ratas. Fueron utilizadas 24 ratas Wistar macho adultas. El grupo control recibió suero fisiológico mientras que los Grupos II a IV recibieron 250, 500 y 750 mg/kg peso corporal del extracto metanólico de Moringa oleifera respectivamente, durante 21 días. No se observaron anomalías en el comportamiento en ratas de los Grupos I - IV. En las ratas del grupo de control se registró un aumento de peso corporal estadísticamente significativo, mientras que las ratas de los grupos II - IV experimentaron una disminución no significativa de peso corporal durante el procedimiento experimental (P0,05). No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P0,05) en el análisis de los pesos relativos en riñones de las ratas de los grupos I - IV. Los exámenes histológicos mostraron citoarquitectura normal de los riñones de las ratas del grupo I, mientras que en ratas de los grupos II ­ IV los espacios capsulares de los riñones aparecían más amplios que los del Grupo I. Los análisis estadísticos mostraron niveles superiores significativos ( P 0,05 ) de la alanina y aspartato aminotransferasa, y de urea en suero en ratas de los Grupos II - IV no dependiente de la dosis, en comparación con las ratas del Grupo I. Estos resultados coinciden con la hipótesis planteada.

Effects of silymarin on reducing liver aminotransferases in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases

The hepatoprotective effects of silymarin have been confirmed by various researchers worldwide; however few studies are available about the therapeutic impact of silymarin on the level of aminotransferases in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]. Our purpose is to determine whether silymarin improves the serum level of aminotransferases in patients with NASH. This was a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial performed on 100 patients with NASH. Subjects were randomized to receive silymarin [140 mg/q12h] for three months or placebo, given in the same manner. A blood sample was drawn at baseline [before treatment] and after completion of the treatment schedule to assess serum aminotransferase levels. We measured body mass index [BMI] before and after administration of the treatments for both groups of patients. There were insignificant changes in BMI for both groups. The mean serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] level in the case group significantly changed from 84.06 to 68.54 IU/mL following treatment with silymarin [p<0.001], however this change was not significant in the control group. The mean serum aspartate aminotransferase [AST] level in the case group significantly decreased from 71.94 to 54.70 IU/mL after treatment with silymarin. This change in the placebo group was not significant [from 62.94 to 61.56 IU/mL]. Administration of silymarin can effectively reduce liver aminotransferases without any changes in BMI in patients with NASH disease

comparison of ezetimibe and acarbose in decreasing liver transaminase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized clinical trial

Ezetimibe inhibits the resorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol in the small intestine and decreases insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. Acarbose has been used in type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of ezetimibe and acarbosein decreasing liver transaminase levels in patients with NAFLD. This was a single center, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted at Bu-Ali Sina Hospital, Qazvin, Iran. In this trial, we enrolled, by simple randomization, a total of 62 patients diagnosed with NASH. There were 29 patients treated with ezetimibe and 33 who were treated with acarbose over a ten-week period. Ezetimibe treatment significantly reduced ALT, AST, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], and serum insulin levels and the insulin resistance homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR] index compared to patients treated with acarbose [p<0.001]. Ezetimibe treatment decreased ALT [p=0.05], AST [p=0.01], total cholesterol [p=0.01], HDL cholesterol [p=0.03] and LDL cholesterol [p=0.03] levels to a significantly higher extent. Both ezetimibe and acarbose improved metabolic and biochemical abnormalities in patients with NASH, however these effects were more prominent with ezetimibe

Effect of a probiotic and metformin on liver aminotransferases in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH] is a clinicopathological entity that is being recognized more frequently in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Metformin, with and without a probiotic supplement on liver aminotransferases in patients with NASH. Sixty four patients 18-75 years with NASH confirmed by biopsy and histological assessment were enrolled to study. Patients were randomized to one of the following treatments for 6 months: Group I, probiotic [Protexin two tablets per day] plus Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day [Met/Pro], or group II, Metformin 500 mg two tablets per day plus two placebo tablet [Met/P]. After 6 month alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase, and ultrasound grading of NASH were assessed. In group I, serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT: 133.7 +/- 70 vs. 45.2 +/- 32.5; P < 0.00], and aspartate aminotransferase activity [AST: 123.1 +/- 72 vs. 44.2 +/- 33.9; P < 0.001], and ultrasound grading of NASH [P < 0.001] all decreased significantly by the end of the treatment period. In group II, while serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] was not significantly reduced [118.4 +/- 67.9 vs. 112.5 +/- 68.7; P < 0.064], aspartate aminotransferase activity [AST: 125.3 +/- 71 vs. 113.4 +/- 71; P < 0.001], and ultrasound grading of NASH did fall significantly [P < 0.01]. Body mass index [BMI], fasting blood sugar [FBS], cholesterol, and triglyceride fell significantly in both groups. Probiotic combination with Metformin improves liver aminotransferases better than metformin alone in patients with NASH

Evaluation of ginseng on lipid profiles, liver and renal markers in diabetic rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs as a consequence of decrease in insulin secretion or resistance to insulin. Most diabetes related treatments have problems with adverse reactions. Natural therapeutics have been in use from long time ago up to present time. Ginseng is a traditional drug used for treatment of many diseases particularly diabetes. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of oral Ginseng on the serum glucose and other biochemical parameters such as lipid profile. In this study 30 male rats with a body weight of 250 +/- 25 gr and age of 4-6 months was used. Each animal was housed under controlled temperature [21 +/- 2 C] and standard conditions with free access to food and water. Blood test was carried out to measure glucoses and other biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST and BUN. Animals were equally divided into three groups; 1-control group, 2-the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] group, 3- the STZ-induced-diabetes [60 mg/kg] and 150 mg/kg oral ginseng. The study was lasted for 6 weeks. Blood samples were taken and tested for glucoses and other parameters. The average blood sugar in the control group was 131.1 +/- 7.9 mg/dl, but it was higher than 550mg/dl in streptozocine- received group. In group 3, which received ginseng, blood sugar decreased up to 50%. Cholestrol decreased up to 40% in the treatment group. Among the measured parameters HDL showed a 50%decrease in treatment group in comparison with diabetic group. AST and ALT values between the control and treatment groups did not show a significant difference. BUN values decreased from 71.6 +/- 6.6 in diabetic group to 50.1 +/- 5.7 mg dl in the treatment group. The results of this study revealed that ginseng can be considered as a substance which decreases blood glucoses, reduces diabetes adverse reactions, and consequently diminishing blood lipids in animal model. However, to apply these results to human, further studies are needed to be carried out

Studies of ketoprofen toxicity in avian species

Certain environmental factors are very important to stabilize the wild life; avian diseases, vulture crises and ecological annoyance. This should be fixed scientifically to minimize the health hazards. Thus; we have aimed this project to evaluate effects of toxic dosage levels of Ketoprofen in broiler chickens. Two hundred and twenty five [225] healthy broiler chickens were reared upto 28 days and divided into five groups 25 birds in each group. On day 29[th] four groups were medicated twice a day at dose rate of 50 mg/kg body weight respectively intra-muscularly for four days. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. A physical examination, toxicity and mortality rate were recorded daily. Blood samples was drawn to determination the serum values of Aspartate Transaminase [AST], Alanine transaminase [ALT], Uric Acid, Alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and Creatinine. Postmortem performed on day 41 after all samples taken. In second experiment other 100 birds were divided into five groups comprising of 20 birds in each group. One of the groups was injected I/M Ketoprofen 5mg/kg twice a day. Postmortem performed after medication on 5th day. Based on the necropsy findings and biochemical analysis it was found that Ketoprofen was not safe drug in the avian species. Keeping in view the environmental problem [vultures crises] it is recommended that Ketoprofen which has good pharmacological effects in human medicine should be avoided in veterinary practice

[ effect of cabergoline on level of liver enzymes and serum proteins in adult male rat]

The liver has an important role in the metabolism of chemical drugs and plasma protein synthesis. Caberoline is used in the treatment of hyperprolactinemia and Parkinson disease and some of other disorders. This study aimed to find the effect of cabergoline on the liver enzymes and serum proteins. In this experimental study 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided in to five equal groups. The drug was subcutaneously injected for 14 days. The experimental groups received 0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg respectively. The control group had no drug and the last group received distilled water. At the end, blood samples were taken from all subjects and liver enzymes, ALT [Alanine Transaminase], AST [Asportate Transaminase], ALP [Alkaline phosphatase], Albumin and total protein were determined by outoanalyzer in order to evaluate the liver function. The results were analyzed by non-parametric [K Independent Sample] tests. No significant differences were observed in the level of ALT and AST enzymes between cases and control groups. The level of ALP in case groups [474 +/- 53.06, 471 +/- 28.7] showed a significant decrease compared to the control group [551 +/- 31.64]. Total protein showed a significant decrease in the groups who received medium and maximum doses of cabergoline [4.6 +/- 0.05 and 4.46 +/- 0.02 compared to 4.71 +/- 0.08 in control group]. As there was no significant difference in the level of AST and ALT as the main indicators of liver function, it could be concluded that cabergoline as a dopamine antagonist has no side effects on the liver parenchymal cells, but more study seems to be needed

Clinical and biochemical features of autoimmune hepatitis in 36 pediatric patients

RACIONAL: Poucos estudos sobre hepatite autoimune têm sido conduzidos em pacientes não-caucasianos. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar crianças brasileiras com hepatite autoimune tipos 1 e 2 em relação à evolução clínica e parâmetros clínicos e bioquímicos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e seis pacientes foram incluídos em um protocolo que registrou os dados da história clínica, exame físico, dados bioquímicos e evolução da doença. Vinte e quatro crianças tinham hepatite autoimune tipo 1, sete pacientes hepatite autoimune tipo 2 e em cinco casos, a hepatite autoimune não pôde ser classificada. A maioria dos pacientes pertencia ao sexo feminino (77%), a mediana de idade ao diagnóstico foi de 11 anos e a mediana de duração dos sintomas foi de 5,5 e 8 meses, para os tipos 1 e 2, respectivamente. Icterícia e colúria foram as manifestações clínicas mais freqüentes. RESULTADOS: A terapia com azatioprina e prednisona foi eficaz para os pacientes com os tipos 1 ou 2 de hepatite. As enzimas AST e ALT apresentaram decréscimo em relação aos valores no diagnóstico, após 4 a 8 semanas de tratamento, nos pacientes com hepatite autoimune do tipo 1. Os valores de GGT tornaram-se mais elevados após o início da terapia e retornaram aos níveis pré-tratamento após 1 ano, nos dois tipos de hepatite. Três pacientes foram a óbito e outros três realizaram transplante hepático. CONCLUSÕES: Crianças não-caucasianas apresentaram doença semelhante a pacientes caucasianos com hepatite autoimune. Níveis elevados de GGT no primeiro ano de tratamento não devem ser o único marcador da existência de colangiopatia.

Red cell aspartate aminotransferase saturation with oral pyridoxine intake

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A enzima aspartato aminotransferase apresenta o piridoxal fosfato como coenzima, oriunda da piridoxina existente em alimentos vegetais frescos. A anemia sideroblástica responsiva à vitamina B6, mielofibrose e síndrome de Peyronie respondem a altas doses de piridoxina. O objetivo foi investigar a máxima resposta da aspartato aminotransferase à suplementação oral com piridoxina. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Experimento controlado, na Seção de Hematologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz. MÉTODOS: A atividade da aspartato aminotransferase eritrocitária foi determinada (antes e após) em voluntários que receberam suplementação por 15-18 dias (30 mg, 100 mg e 200 mg diariamente). Estudo in vitro também foi realizado, com sangue de sete indivíduos. As atividades enzimáticas antes e após a incubação foram determinadas, seguindo o mesmo protocolo do estudo in vivo. RESULTADOS: O estudo in vivo revelou um aumento gradativo da saturação da aspartato aminotransferase com doses crescentes de piridoxina. 83% de saturação foi alcançada com 30 mg diariamente, 88% com 100 mg e 93% com 200 mg. O estudo in vitro não revelou saturação de 100%.CONCLUSÕES: Tanto in vivo quanto in vitro, não se revelou saturação completa da aspartato aminotransferase por sua coenzima piridoxal-5-fosfato nos eritrócitos. Entretanto, a dose de 200 mg diariamente poderia ser empregada com segurança no tratamento da anemia sideroblástica, mielofibrose e síndrome de Peyronie. Embora a saturação máxima nos eritrócitos não seja atingida, os eritroblastos e outras células nucleadas que contenham as organelas citoplasmáticas certamente atingirão a saturação completa, possivelmente à razão dos resultados obtidos nas doenças citadas.

effect of silymarin an glycemic control of type II diabetes: a double blind randomized clinical trial

Silymarin is a free radical scavenger and cell membrane stabilizer that may reduce insulin secretion without increasing blood-glucose concentration and this combination of effect could be useful in states of hyperinsulinaemic hyperglycemia, such as non-insulin dependent diabetes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of silymarine on glycemic control of type II diabetes. A 4-month randomized clinical trial study was conducted. In two-well-matched groups of type II diabetes. One group [n=30] received 750mg silymarin into divided three doses per day plus standard therapy, while the control group [n=30] received standard therapy and placebo, At the beginning and the end of the study HbA[1c] PBS, serum Insulin, SGOT and SGPT were measured. The mean age of patients was 53.5 +/- 6.2 years and the mean duration of disease was 9.6 +/- 53 years. There was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose [FBS] levels from 155 +/- 46 mg/dl to 133 +/- 39 mg/dl [p=0.001], also HbA[1]C levels from 7.82 +/- 2.01 to 6.78 +/- 1.05 [P=0.001] There was a significant decrease in SGOT [P=0.008] and SGPT [P=0.0001] levels, after 4-months treatment in the silymarin group. In addition, there was a non significant decrease in Blood pressure and weight in this group.The results show that treatment with silymarin reduces the FBS and HBA[1]C. The effect of silmarine may be due to antioxidative effects, reduction of the lipoproxidation of cell membranes and other unknown effects

Operational use of neem oil as an alternative anopheline larvicide. Part B: environmental impact and toxicological potential

This study was conducted to investigate the preliminary environmental and mammalian toxicology of neem oil, temephos and chlorpyriphos-methyl/fenitrothion. Culex pipiens, Daphnia magna and Gambusia affinis were used to study environmental impact. A high level of toxicity was observed, with slight differences between organisms. The emulsifiers individually also displayed toxicity towards the tested organisms. Up to 90 days daily oral crude neem oil treatment [5 g/kg body weight] of laboratory mice did not cause any significant changes in weekly body weight gain, nor in serum liver damage indicators, direct bilirubin or total bilirubin. Blood parameters of treated mice up to 90 days were not statistically different from those of control mice. Neem oil could be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional chemical anopheline larvicides

Effect of anti - tuberculous treatment on serum aminotransferases levels in children

The aim of this work was to study the level of aspartate aminotransferase, AST [normal 5-45 U/L] and alanine aminotransferase, ALT [normal 5-45 U/L] as indicative of liver cell injury before, during and after INH+RIF+PZA therapy for six months. History and clinical examination and investigations; CBC, ESR, tuberculin or BCG test, chest X-ray, sputum smear and culture for acid-fast bacilli and lymph node biopsy were done. Serum AST and ALT were evaluated before treatment [group I, 15 children], after two months [group II, 15 children] and after six months [group III, 15 children]. The diagnosis of TB depended on a total score of >/7 using the TB score chart. The total number of children was 45 [19 males and 26 females], their ages were 1-15 years; the mean age was 9.7 +/- 4.3 years. Pulmonary TB cases were 27 and extra pulmonary TB cases were 18. All cases were responsive to therapy with no clinical side effects. The means +/- SD of AST were 10.5 +/- 4.5 before treatment, 12.l +/- 7.6 after 2 months and 12.7 +/- 7.6 U/L after 6 months with no statistically significant differences. The means +/- SD of ALT were 8.5 +/- 2.9 before treatment, 9.5 +/- 6.7 after two months and 10.5 +/- 4.7 after six months with no statistically significant differences. The anti-TB drugs were well tolerated and had no clinical or biochemical side effects on liver cell function in children when given in proper dose and for the recommended duration of treatment

Effect of arsenite on certain aspects of protein metabolism in fresh water teleost, Tilapia mossambica (Peters).

The sublethal toxicity of sodium arsenite on protein metabolism was investigated in teleost fish, Tilalpia mossambica at the end of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of exposure. Total protein content, free amino acid content and activities of the enzymes aspartate amino transferase (AAT) and alanine amino transferase (ALAT) in liver, gill, brain and muscle exhibited significant (P<0.05) alterations throughout the investigation in relation to that of control. It is suggested that the fish is able to respond to the stressful situations by gearing up the metabolic activity as revealed by the elevated protein, amino acid content and the activities of AAT and ALAT.

Melatonin: the assumed latest cure- all drug

This study was carried out to evaluate the hormonal and some biochemical changes which might be caused by administration of melatonin [Mt] daily for five months to 36 albino rats of both sexes. Long-term administration of doses equivalent to human dose range of melatonin caused an increase in testosterone, a decrease in estradiol [E2] levels in males with no change in the levels of both hormones in females, an increase in follicular stimulating hormones [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH] and a decrease in prolactin [PRL] levels in both sexes. Serum glutamicoxalo-acetic transaminase [GOT], glutamic- pyruvic transaminase [GPT] and sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH] showed a significant increase from the third month onwards, while serum urea and creatinine showed a significant increase only at the fifth month

Avaliaçäo das enzimas alanina-aminotransferase, aspartato-aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina e creatinina-fosfoquinase em cäes submetidos à administraçäo semanal de ivermectina / Evaluation of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phofatase and creatine-phosphate-kinase in dogs subjected to a weekly administration of ivermectin

Estudou-se a influência da administraçäo semanal de ivermectina, em cäes, sobre as enzimas alanina-aminotransferase, aspartato-aminotransferase, fosfatase alcalina e creatinina-fosfoquinase. Utilizaram-se 15 cäes sem raça definida (peso médio de 7kg), distribuídos em três grupos. Foram realizadas inoculaçöes subcutâneas de ivermectina nas doses de 200mcg/kg PV (grupo 1) e 400mcg/kg PV (grupo 2), durante três semanas consecutivas. O terceiro grupo serviu como controle. Apesar das diferenças entre médias serem estatisticamente significativas em alguns tratamentos, pode-se observar que estas diferenças, possivelmente, se devam à induçäo enzimática microssomal

Cardioprotective effect of cromakalim (potassium channel opener) in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Animals pretreated with cromakalim (1 mg/kg,po) along with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg,sc) showed less myocardial degenerative changes on histopathological examinations when compared with those treated with isoproterenol alone. Cromakalim's beneficial effects on myocardium were in dose-dependent manner. Administration of cromakalim (po) lowered significantly the serum LDH and SGOT and depleted intracytoplasmic glycogen as demonstrated by periodic schiff staining procedure. Increase in blood clotting time was highly significant (P less than 0.001). The results suggest cardioprotective effect of cromakalim in isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction.