Histological and biochemical studies on the effect of vitamin E on sodium fluoride induced lung toxicity in adult albino rats

Fluoride compounds are naturally present in soil, water, and food. Furthermore, fluoride in amounts exceeding the standard therapeutic dosage accumulates in hard and soft tissues, where it disturbs the metabolic processes and produces noticeable changes in multiple organs. The study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium fluoride [NaF] on the lung of adult albino rats and the possible protective role of vitamin E on these changes. Twenty-six adult albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II receiving NaF alone [10 mg/kg body weight], and group III receiving the same NaF dose together with vitamin E supplementation [3 mg/day orally for 35 days]. Tissue homogenates were collected for biochemical study, and the lung tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results of biochemical and immunohistochemical studies were measured and statistically analyzed. Lung sections of rats treated with NaF showed congestion and injury in the endothelium of blood vessels, with hemorrhage and injury in the alveolar epithelium. Proliferation of pneumocytes type II and interstitial septal cells were seen. Thickening of interalveolar septum by cellular infiltration and red blood cells with subsequent decrease in the alveolar space was observed. Some area showed compensatory dilated alveolar ducts. A significant increase in the mean area% of cyclooxygenase-2-immunopositive cells was observed when compared with other groups. There was a significant decrease in the catalase activity and an increase in malondialdehyde concentration in group II. In vitamin E-treated group, most fields showed normal lung structure and some fields showed thickened interalveolar septa and dilated air spaces. The use of vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the protection of lung against NaF-induced injury

effect of selenium on induced ischemia / reperfusion injury in ovaries of female albino rat: a histological and biochemical study

Ovarian torsion is a serious cause of gynecological surgical emergency. Recently, a conservative approach including detorsion and releasing the pedicle to preserve fertility was advocated. However, detorsion worsens the tissue injury leading to ischemia/reperfusion [I/R] and production of reactive oxygen species. Selenium [Se] is an essential trace element and a component of the antioxidant enzymes that protect the cells against the effects of free radicals. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of Se on I/R-induced injury of ovary in a rat model [using histological and biochemical studies]. Twenty-six adult female albino rats were divided into three groups: group I [control], group II [the I/R group] including rats exposed to right ovarian ischemia for 3 h and then reperfused for 12 h, and group III [the Se-treated group] including rats exposed to I/R as group II, in addition to 0.2 mg/kg Se injected intraperitoneally 30 min before reperfusion. Ovarian tissues were excised for histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and biochemical studies. Statistical analysis was performed. In the I/R group, the right ovary showed secondary follicles with desquamated cells into the antral cavity, congested vessels, multiple distorted follicles, massive extravasated red blood cells [RBCs], multiple dark nuclei, and vacuolations in the corpora lutea. The left ovary recruited congested vessels and extravasated RBCs in the corpora lutea. In the Se-treated group, the right ovary revealed some dark nuclei and vacuolations in some atretic follicles besides few extravasated RBCs. A significant increase in the mean area% of caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found in the right ovary in the I/R group compared with the other groups. A significant increase in DNA fragmentation percentage, a significant decrease in reduced glutathione concentration, a significant decrease in catalase activity, and a significant increase in malondialdehyde concentration were found in the I/R group compared with the other groups. Furthermore, administration of Se restored these values to normal levels. Se proved to be effective in preventing tissue damage induced by I/R in rat ovaries