Vitamin C: efficiency and safety

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of long-term vitamin C intake, either in recommended daily allowances [RDAs] or in high dose, on the serum levels of lipid profile, liver enzymatic activities, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] as well as creatinine and urea in adult male rats. Thirty mature male rats weighted 200-300 gm/rat were divided into three equal groups; one served as a control, while the other two groups were given daily an oral supplementation of vitamin C for eight weeks. The group received RDAs of vitamin C [27 mg/day/rat] induced a significant decrease in serum levels of all the studied parameters. Also, in the animal group received a high dose of vitamin C [55 mg/day], the serum levels of lipid profile, ALP, creatinine and urea were significantly decreased, but there was an increase in ALT and AST levels

Histophysiologial changes in renal functions of hypercholesterolaemic ovariectomized adult rat

The current study was designed to elucidate the histophysiological changes in renal functions as well as the structural and ultrastructural changes in renal functions as well as the structural and ultrastructural changes of kidneys in hypercholesterolaemic intract and ovariectomized rats. Sixty female albino rats were used, half of them were fed on high cholesterol diet for four months, while the other half were fed on ordinary diet. Compared to control intact rats either fed on ordinary diet or high cholesterol diet, ovariectomy produced a significant decrease in serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL], while serum levels of total cholesterol showed marked elevations. Serum albumin level decreased in both groups after ovariectomy, while albuminurea was present in intact hypercholesterolaemic group and ovariectomized hypercholesterolaemic group. Ovariectomy induced elevation of serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and calcium levels in both groups. Body weight and blood pressure significantly increased after ovariectomy in both groups. Also, ovariectomy induced marked elevation in serum levels of luteinising hormone [LH] and follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] in rats fed on ordinary diet and high cholesterol diet. The histological results showed that, in ovariectomized rats fed ordinary diet, many glomeruli remained intact, moderate glomerular mononuclear cell infiltration and minimal tubular dilatation was observed. In hypercholesterolaemic ovaraiectomized group. Glomerular focal atrophy or necrosis with mononuclear cell infiltration was observed. Collagen laydown in the intersitium with atrophic dilated tubules containing the protein casts. We conclude that sex-related factors regulated by the ovaries may play an inhibitory role in the development of glomerulosclerosis