Protective role of curcumin against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin-induced histological and biochemical changes in fundic mucosa of the adult rat stomach

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-dioxin [TCDD] is released into the environment from different activities and industrial sources, with a higher incidence of gastric exposure. This work aimed to study the histological and biochemical changes induced by TCDD in the fundic mucosa and the possible protective role of curcumin against these changes. Thirty adult female albino rats were classified into three groups: the control group [group I]; the TCDD group [group II], in which rats received 100 microg/kg TCDD orally for 3 months; and the curcumin+TCDD group [group III], in which rats received an oral dose of 80 mg/kg curcumin in concurrence with TCDD for 3 months. The serum level of the gastrin hormone was measured. Samples from the fundus of the stomach were stained with H and E, Van Gieson, and PAS/alcian blue and for immunohistochemical detection of aryl hydrocarbon receptors [AHR] and chromogranin A. Morphometric and electron microscopic studies were also carried out. Hyperplasia and metaplastic mucosal changes, together with enteroendocrine cell hyperplasia, were evident. Moreover, glandular degeneration, areas of atrophic gastritis, cellular apoptosis, and gastric ulcers were detected. The previous results could be explained by both TCDD-induced hypergastrinemia and increased AHR expression. In contrast, curcumin appeared to have a propitious protective effect against TCDD-induced gastric affection. Most of the TCDD-induced gastric changes were not observed in group III. It was concluded that the gastric mucosa is sensitive to the toxic effects of TCDD and curcumin can be used to avoid TCDD-induced gastric complications

Testicular toxic changes induced by bisphenol A in adult albino rats: a histological, biochemical, and immunohistochemical study

Bisphenol A [BPA] is an endocrine disruptor that is incorporated in many plastic industries worldwide. The exposure of humans to such substances starts from the fetal life to the postnatal life and extends throughout the life of the individual. Many agencies have raised warnings against the excessive use of such substances. The present study was designed to evaluate the biochemical and histological changes induced by BPA in the testis of adult male albino rats and to detect the ability of self-regeneration after stoppage. Thirty-two adult male albino rats were used. The rats were divided equally into four groups [eight animals each]. Groups I and II were used as negative and positive control groups, respectively. Rats of group III were given an oral dose of 50 mg/kg of BPA per day for 8 weeks. In group IV, the rats were treated in the same manner as in group III and then left without treatment for 4 weeks for recovery. At the time of sacrifice, all rats were anesthetized with ether, and blood samples were collected for estimation of testosterone. The testes were dissected out and processed for testicular malondialdehyde and glutathione measurement and light and electron microscopic examination. The diameter and epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules were estimated morphometrically and statistically analyzed. Biochemical results of the BPA-treated group [group III] revealed testicular affection with oxidative stress. Testes of this group showed many distorted seminiferous tubules lined by disorganized epithelium and separated with wide interstitium containing congested blood vessels. Apoptotic nuclei of some spermatids and intercellular spaces were also seen. There was a decrease in estrogen receptors. Statistical analysis of epithelial height and tubular diameter confirmed the results. However, in the recovery group [group IV], the histological and the biochemical changes were reduced but did not return to normal. These results demonstrated that BPA had deleterious effects on the testis with some sort of self-recovery after stoppage

Effect of unilateral obstruction of vas deferens on ipsilateral epididymis of adult albino rats

Epididymis acts as an active contributor toward the formation of fertile ejaculate. Persistent infertility after vasectomy is common. This study aimed to determine the possible histological changes that might occur in the ipsilateral rat epididymal caput secondary to left sided vas deferens ligation. Twenty healthy adult albino rats were equally divided into a control group [I] and vasectomized group [II]. Group I was further subdivided into a nonoperated group Ia and a sham-operated group Ib. The left vas deferens of sham-operated rats [group Ib] was only exposed, whereas in group II, it was ligated and transected. Left epididymal caputs of both groups were extirpated after 8 weeks and were processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Bax immunoreaction was carried out to detect apoptosis. The diameter and epithelial height of epididymal tubules were determined morphometrically and analyzed statistically. In the vasectomized group, the epithelial lining of some tubules showed discontinuity. Principal and clear cells showed many ultrastructural changes. Many halo cells came in close contact with the lumina and many basal cells were observed. Some tubules contained sperm, exfoliated, and inflammatory cells. Widened interstitium with cellular infiltrations, collagen fibers, and multiple peritubular layers of smooth muscle cells were observed. Tubular epithelial cells showed a positive Bax immunoreaction. The estimated and analyzed epithelial height/diameter of the epididymal tubules showed a highly significant decrease/increase compared with the control group. In conclusion, vasectomy induced epididymal morphological changes with evidence of an inflammatory response. These changes may lead to epithelial dysfunction and consequently improper sperm maturation

Comparison between the role of n-acetylcysteine alone and with silymarin in paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity [clinical and experimental study]

Paracetamol [APAP], a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, is known to cause hepatic injury in high doses. N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and silymarin have been used in treatment of liver diseases of varying origins. This work was conducted to compare between the role of NAC alone and with silymarin in paracetamol induced acute hepatotoxicity. This work included both clinical and experimental studies. The clinical study included 27 patients with acute paracetamol poisoning admitted to Poisoning Treatment Unit - Zagazig University Hospitals between January and July, 2011. Sixteen patients [group I] were treated with NAC alone. Another eleven patients [group II] were treated with both NAC and silymarin. Plasma paracetamol level was measured on admission and liver function tests were assessed on admission and daily for three days. The experimental study included forty two adult male albino rats were divided into 7 groups. Group [1]: negative control rats, group [2]: positive control rats received distilled water, group [3]: received 140mg/kg NAC, group [4]: received 40mg/kg silymarin, group [5]: received l000mg/kg APAP, group [6]: received APAP followed by NAC in the same previous doses/ Group [7]: received combined NAC and silymarin following APAP administration in the same previous doses. All drugs were given once by oral gavage. 24 hours after commencing the experiment liver function tests and hepatic glutathione [GSH] content were assessed. Liver specimens were submitted to histopathological examination and immunolocalization of BCL-2 and BrdU. It was found that combined treatment with NAC and silymarin induced a significant reduction of the elevated hepatic transaminases compared to treatment with NAC alone in both patients and rats especially patients presented late after 15 hours of APAP ingestion. Histopathological examination of hepatic specimens from combined treated rats revealed reappearance of the regular morphology of the hepatic lobules with strong immunoreactivity to BCL-2 and BrdU. Rats treated with NAC alone showed partial improvement where there were some areas of hepatocytes vacuolization, cellular infiltration, and sinusoidal dilatation, with moderate reaction for both BCL-2 and BrdU. This was accompanied with a significant elevation of the mean values of hepatic GSH in combined treated rats compared to those treated with NAC alone. It was concluded that both silymarin and NAC have a synergistic effect, and combined treatment with both of them could be used as a beneficial treatment for paracetamol acute hepatotoxicity especially for late presented cases

Age-related changes in the myenteric plexus of the gastric fundus in albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

Aging is believed to affect the structure and function of the enteric nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract. This work was designed to study the histological changes that might occur in the myenteric plexus of rat gastric fundus during aging. Thirty male albino rats were used in this study and divided equally into three groups: group A [which included 4-month-old rats], group B [which included 18-monthold rats], and group C [which included 24-month-old rats]. All the animals were anesthetized, and their stomachs were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Also, immunohistochemical staining was carried out for the detection of protein gene product [PGP 9.5] and Bcl-2 proteins. The area% of myenteric ganglia was also determined. The results were analyzed statistically. With age, in group B [early senile], there was obvious neuronal loss and few gaps in the myenteric plexus, with a significant decrease in the number of PGP-positive neurons and moderate immunoreactions for the Bcl-2 protein. Glial cells had cytoplasmic vacuoles and nerve cells had peripheral condensation of heterochromatin in their nuclei. The myenteric plexus of the rats of group C [late senile] showed nerve cell bodies with apoptotic nuclei and cytoplasmic vacuolations. Many large cavities and eosinophillic cellular infiltration were observed within the neuropil. There was a marked apparent decrease in PGP 9.5-positive neurons and minimal immunoreactions for the Bcl-2 protein. Also, the area of myenteric ganglia increased with advancing age. In the current study, it was found that the myenteric plexus of the gastric fundus showed histological and immunohistochemical changes during aging, which may potentially be an explanation for the gastrointestinal tract disturbance in elderly individuals

Effect of experimental orchiectomy on hippocampus of adult albino rat and the role of testosterone supplementation: a histological and immunhistochemical study

The brain is one of the target organs for the gonadal hormone 'testosterone'. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in learning and memory. It is a sensitive region for the effect of testosterone and hence is vulnerable to gradual age-related decline of testosterone level in men. This work aimed to study the histological changes in rat hippocampus after experimentally induced orchiectomy and assess the possible beneficial role of testosterone replacement. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were divided into control group [group I] and two experimental groups [groups II and III]. Rats in groups II and III were subjected to orchiectomy. The orchiectomized rats in group III were treated daily with testosterone propionate [0.5 mg/kg/day] and both groups were left alone for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, all rats were anaesthetized and their brains were removed and processed. Sections were stained by H and E and immunohistochemically for Bax, BcIe, and glial fibrillary acidic proteins [GFAP]. Further, the serum level of testosterone was measured. The results were statistically analysed. Examination of the hippocampus of orchiectomized rats showed decreased thickness of the pyramidal layer, which contained many apoptotic cells. Minute haemorrhage, cellular infiltration and dilated capillaries were also seen. Immunohistochemically, intense Bax and GFAP with minimal Bcl2 reactions were detected. The hippocampi of orchiectomized rats treated with testosterone were less affected. The pyramidal cell layer thickness was relatively normal. Few nerve cells with dark cytoplasm appeared among the normal ones. Further, minimal Bax and GFAP with moderate BcI2 reaction were detected. Statistically, there was a significant decrease in the level of testosterone in group II compared with group I. The results demonstrated that decrease in the level of testosterone had deleterious histological effects on rat hippocampi. Testosterone replacement ameliorated these histological changes after orchiectomy

effects of experimental aflatoxicosis on the pancreas of adult male albino rats and the role of ginger supplementation: a histological and biochemical study

Aflatoxin contamination of foods is a worldwide problem, especially in developing countries. Ginger has antioxidant properties. To study the histological and biochemical changes in the pancreas of rats with experimental aflatoxicosis, and to evaluate the role of ginger supplementation. Forty-five adult male albino rats were equally divided into three groups. Group I that served as the control group. Group II that received 250 119/kg body weight/day of aflatoxin B1 dissolved in olive oil using a gastric tube for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Group III that received both aflatoxin as in group II and 400 mg/kg body weight/day of ginger orally for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were anesthetized, and their pancreases were extirpated and divided into two parts to be processed for light and electron microscopic examinations. Morphometrical analysis for area percentage of collagen fibers and biochemical analysis for glucose, insulin, and serum amylase were performed and statistically analyzed. Examination of group II revealed thick interlobular septa that contained congested blood vessels, cellular infiltration, mast, and fat cells. Pancreatic acinar cells showed decreased secretory granules, vacuolization, and dilated fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum. Few acinar cells showed rarified areas of cytoplasm. Some acinar cells had small condensed heterochromatic nuclei. Most of the islets of Langerhans were formed of cells separated by dilated congested capillaries. Most of the nuclei of beta cells were euchromatic, whereas some were small heterochromatic. The cytoplasm of beta cells had a variety of secretory granules. Most of them had an electrondense core and an electron-lucent halo, whereas others had homogenous moderate density. Some granules coalesced. A few cells had cytoplasmic areas depleted of granules. Pancreatic ducts were dilated. Examination of group III revealed that pancreatic lobules were separated by thin interlobular septa. Acini had numerous apical acidophilic secretory granules, a few vacuoles, and basal euchromatic nuclei. Beta cells of the islets of Langerhans had euchromatic nuclei and numerous secretory granules with an electron-dense core and a wide electron-lucent halo. Biochemical analysis of glucose and serum amylase showed a highly significant increase, whereas that of insulin showed a highly significant decrease, in group II in comparison with group I. The glucose and serum amylase levels were significantly decreased, whereas the insulin level was significantly increased in group III compared with group II. Aflatoxin had a deleterious effect on the histological structure of the rats' pancreas, and ginger minimized these effects