Star anise extracts modulation of reproductive parameters, fertility potential and DNA fragmentation induced by growth promoter Equigan in rat testes

ABSTRACT Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn't change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.

Hepatic protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract against Gleevec-induced apoptosis, liver Injury and Ki67 alterations in rats

ABSTRACT Gleevec (imatinib) is an antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of many types of cancer. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of grape seeds proanthocyandins extract (GSPE) against apoptosis, liver injury and Ki67 alterations induced by Gleevec in male rats. 40 male albino rats were equally divided into four groups (First and second groups were control and GSPE groups; third group was Gleevec group and fourth group was treated with Gleevec and GSPE). Gleevec induced elevations in P53 and depletion of Bcl2 levels in liver tissues were compared with the control group. Liver sections in rats treated with Gleevec exhibited marked cellular infiltrations, vacuolar degeneration hepatocytes, numerous apoptotic cells, and congestion in central and portal veins, as well as a significant increase in the proliferating of Ki67 after Gleevec injection as compared with control group. In contrast, treatment with Gleevec and GSPE showed a moderate to good degree of improvement in hepatocytes with a significant increase in Ki67, a decrease in P53 and an increase in Bcl2 levels in liver tissues compared to treatment with Gleevec. Therefore, Gleevec induces apoptosis, injury and Ki67 changes in rat liver, whereas GSPE modulates these alternations.