RESUMO
The study was carried out to assess the effect of diets fortified with nigella sativa [NS], sesame [SS] seeds and high calcium [Ca] on osteoporosis in ovariectomized [OVX] rats. Fifty six rats were randomized into 8 equal groups [n=7] and housed individually in metal metabolic cages. Under ether anesthesia, group [1] was SHAM-operated and fed on basal diet, while the other 7 groups were bilaterally OVX-operated. Three weeks after ovariectomy, group [2] was fed on basal diet, while groups [3],[4],[5],[6] and [7] were fed on experimental diets fortified with the following: 10% NS; 10% SS; 2% Ca; 10% NS+2% Ca and 10% SS+2% Ca, respectively for 6 weeks. Group [8] was fed on basal diet and given orally alendronate [anti-osteoporotic drug] in a daily dose of 3 mg/kg for 6 weeks. During feeding period; initial and final body weights of rats were recorded. At the end of the experiment, the last 24 hr urine samples were collected for estimating Ca, p, pyridinoline [PD] and deoxypyridinoline [DPD] concentrations. Rats were then euthanized by prolonged exposure to anesthetic ether. Blood samples were collected for estimating serum calcium [Ca], phosphorous [P], bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [b-ALP] and osteocalcin [OC] levels. The uteri were dissected out and weighted. Femur bones also were dissected out and used for measurement and analysis of bone ash. The results showed that diets fortified with NS and SS and high calcium prevented the increase in body weight gain and the decrease in uterine weight induced by ovariectomy. These experimental diets normalized serum Ca,P,b-ALP and OC levels and decreased urinary excretion of Ca, P, PD and DPD. There were also significant increases in femur bone mineral density [BMD] and calcium content in bone ash. In conclusion, diets fortified with NS, SS and high calcium have a promising anti-osteoporotic effect in OVX rats. The study recommends enrichment of the bakeries and food stuff with nigella sativa and sesame seeds and eating meals rich in calcium such as dairy products [milk and yoghurt] may be beneficial for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women
RESUMO
The protective effect of celery oil, vitamin E and their combination against testicular toxicity induced by sodium valporate in male rats was studied. Forty nine mature male rats were distributed into 7 equal groups. The 1[st] group was kept as a negative control, while rats of the 2[nd] group were given orally sodium valporate [SVP] in a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt./day for the last 7 days of the experimental period and used as a positive control. The other protected five groups were pretreated by oral administration of celery oil at two doses [100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt./day] and vitamin E [200 mg/kg b.wt. /day], alone and in combination, for 28 days and received SVP as in the 2[nd] group. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and sexual organs were removed and weighed. Semen analysis, determination of serum testosterone level and histopathology of the testes were carried out. Compared to the positive control, the pretreatment by celery oil, vitamin E and their combination for 4 weeks increased the weight of sexual organs, sperm motility, count and viability and serum testosterone level and alleviated histopathological lesions. In conclusion, the pretreatment by celery oil, vitamin E and their combination produced a relative protective effect against reproductive toxicity-induced by SVP in rats. This study recommends that intake of celery oil and vitamin E may be beneficial for patients who suffer from infertility