Evaluating the effects of betaine on testicular ischemia/reperfusion injury induced by torsion/detorsion in the rat.

In this research, the effects of betaine on testicular ischemia-reperfusion were evaluated. Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of sham, torsion/detorsion (TD), torsion/detorsion with two different dosage of betaine 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the testosterone concentration, sperm motility, concentration and vitality, oxidative stress biomarkers including Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Moreover, histopathological parameters including seminiferous tubules diameter (STD), seminiferous epithelium thickness (SET), spermatogonia nuclei diameter (SpND), Sertoli cell nuclei diameter (StND) and miotic index were evaluated. The testosterone concentration altered during torsion/detorsion and betaine could increase slightly the testosterone concentration after 15 days. Sperm motility and vitality significantly increased in the betaine treated groups compared to the TD group on days 3 and 15. Among oxidative stress biomarkers, only CAT on day 3 and GPx on day 15 were significantly higher in the betaine groups compared to the TD group. Among histopathological parameters an increase in the STD and SET in betaine-200 and betaine-300 groups were observed on 15th day of post-surgery, compared to the TD group. These findings indicate that betaine can ameliorate testicular damages triggered by torsion/detorsion.

Modulation of the antioxidant defense system in liver, kidney, and pancreas tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic rats by camphor.

Excess production of reactive oxygen species and the loss of antioxidant efficiency systems play an important role in the development of diabetes. Thus, using antioxidant compounds is an important strategy to reduce these complications. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect of camphor on the serum biochemical parameters and oxidative parameters in the pancreas, liver, and kidney tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In this study, 40 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, including normal group, diabetic group, the diabetic group treated with glibenclamide, the diabetic group treated with 30 mg/kg camphor, and the diabetic group receiving the camphor solvent. Intragastric administration of camphor and glibenclamide, as the control drug, to diabetic rats for 21 days lowered their blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol, while the blood high-density lipoprotein -cholesterol level was increased. In addition, our results indicated that treatment of diabetic rats with camphor increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzymes as well as reduced glutathione content in the liver, pancreas, and kidney tissues as compared to the diabetic rats. Based on our data, it can be concluded that camphor has a hypoglycemic activity, and this effect may be attributed, in part, to its antioxidant ability. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Camphor is a terpenoid natural compound derived from the wood present in the camphor laurel's stem and roots (Cinnamomum camphora L.) trees. The synthetic form of camphor is currently being produced for medical, health, and industrial applications. In addition, this compound is present in Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Salvia officinalis, Artemisia Annua, and Ocimum basilicum. Numerous researches have shown its beneficial effects on various diseases. In this study, it has been shown that camphor possesses antidiabetic effects in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with camphor increased the antioxidant capacity and reduces the oxidative stress markers in the liver, pancreas, and kidney tissues as compared to the diabetic rats. Given the favorable effect of camphor on some oxidative parameters in diabetic rats in our study, its antihyperglycemic property is probably due to its antioxidant effects.

Betaine effects against asthma-induced oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of mice.

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease concomitant with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of betaine against asthma-induced oxidative stress in experimentally animal model. 32 BALB/C mice were divided into four equal groups as: control, asthma, prednisolone and betaine groups. 100 µl of the solution (Ova albumin (OVA, 400 µg and AL(OH)3 gel in 1 ml of phosphate buffer) was injected intraperitoneally to each mouse on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and sensitized with OVA drop, three times a week from days 27 until 84 in asthma, prednisolone and betaine groups. Prednisolone (3 mg/kg) and betaine (1% of the total diet) were administered at day 27 to 84 as orally once daily and vehicle to controls and asthma group. Sera were collected for IgE detection and lung tissue was taken for histopathology assessment. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and glutathione content (GSH) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as lipid peroxidation marker were also measured in the liver and kidney tissues. Pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed in the asthma and prednisolone groups. Prednisolone also caused significant increase level of anti-OVA IgE. The GPx activity increased significantly in the liver and kidney of asthmatic group when compared to the control and prednisolone groups. Liver MDA as lipid peroxidation marker was also significantly higher in the prednisolone-treated mice when compared to the other groups. Although the CAT and SOD activities as well as GSH content increased in the betaine and prednisolone-treated mice, these enhancements were not statically significant. Predinsolone as first choice in asthma treatment showed some oxidative properties. In contrast, betaine improved airway inflammation of lung tissue which may be associated with the antioxidant properties of betaine. This study provides a potential promising effect of betaine for treatment of asthma in future studies.

In vivo: maternal betaine supplementation normalized fetal growth in diabetic pregnancy.

PURPOSE: Diabetes alters maternal metabolism and can lead to aberrant fetal growth. In addition to insulin treatment, nutritional diet interventions are recommended for promoting fetal health against diabetes-induced adverse effects. Therefore, we conducted an in vivo study to investigate betaine efficacy on fetal development against maternal diabetes. METHODS: Thirty-two dams were divided into four equal groups: control (C), betaine supplementation (BS), diabetic pregnancy (DP) and diabetic pregnancy plus betaine supplementation (DP + BS). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body weight (BW) were monitored during pregnancy. After physiological delivery, dams glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations were measured, followed by fetal development indices including litter size (LS), neonatal weight (NW) and crown-rump (CR). Also, maternal oxidative status was assessed by evaluating glutathione (GSH) content, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the erythrocytes. RESULTS: Betaine supplementation significantly alleviated FBS and tended to recover BW loss. It also significantly decreased HbA1c values in dams of DP + BS compared to DP group. Normalized fetal indices such as LS, NW and CR under betaine supplementation were associated with a significant increase in GSH content and GSH-Px activity, as well as decreased MDA concentrations in erythrocytes of dams in the DP + BS versus the DP group, indicating improved redox balance in the dams. CONCLUSION: We indicated for the first time that betaine supplementation improved the maternal glucose metabolism and redox balance associated with normalized fetal growth. Nevertheless, further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms through which betaine protects fetal growth in diabetic pregnancy.

Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil prevents doxorubicin-induced apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic mitochondrial pathways.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In addition to hepato-cardiotoxicity, doxorubicin (DOX) also induces nephrotoxicity which is considered as the limiting factor for this drug in cancer therapy. The effect of carvacrol, the main active ingredient of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil (SKEO), in the amelioration of DOX- induced cardiotoxicity is well established. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of SKEO against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: SKEO was intraperitoneally administered at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg to male Wistar rats for 12 consecutive days. Five groups of animals including negative control (saline), vehicle (Tween® 20), SKEO50, DOX (at 8th day of treatment), and SKEO50 + DOX were assessed. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Creatinine, urea concentrations, and caspase-3 activity significantly elevated in the serum of DOX treated group in contrast to other groups after injection of a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg i.p.), however, SKEO reduced glutathione peroxidase and caspase-3 activity against other groups while SKEO + DOX was also significantly reduced caspase-3 activity against DOX group. Other biochemical markers changes were not significant. Immunohistochemical assessment unveiled that SKEO + DOX improved the activity of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bax and Bcl-2) and caspase-8 protein to the advantage of cell survival in both intrinsic mitochondrial and extrinsic pathway down streamed to the terminal caspase-3 apoptotic molecule. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: It was concluded that SKEO could have influential effects against apoptosis induced by DOX, but not improperly ameliorate oxidative stress.

Betaine alleviated hepatic and renal injury in diabetic pregnant rats: biochemical and histopathological evidences.

PURPOSE: Pregnancy is the most intense physiological alteration in energy metabolism that women experience in their lifetime. Liver and kidney are the two most susceptible organs to energy metabolism. Diabetes is well-defined as a syndrome interfering with energy metabolism triggered by impaired blood glucose adjustment. Herein, protective effects of betaine on liver and kidney were evaluated in animal model of diabetic pregnancy. METHODS: 32 dams were assigned into 4 equal groups: Control (C), Betaine (B, 1.5% w/w of total diet daily), Diabetic pregnancy (D), and Diabetic pregnancy treated with betaine (D + B). After physiological delivery, HbA1c concentration in whole blood, serum hepatic and renal biomarkers such as AST, ALT, ALP, urea and creatinine were measured. Also, liver and kidney tissue samples were examined under a light microscope. RESULTS: Diabetic pregnancy was found to be accompanied by increased HbA1c level, concentration of hepatic and renal biomarkers in blood samples, and a gamut of alterations such as apoptotic cells, biliary hyperplasia, sinusoidal dilation, basement membrane thickening, and Bowman's capsule dilation as observed in histopathological sections of the D group. Betaine supplementation significantly decreased AST, ALT, urea and creatinine in the D + B group compared to D group. Also, most of pathologic microscopic alterations were attenuated under betaine treatment in D + B group compared to D group. CONCLUSION: Findings of the current paper, for the first time, provided evidence regarding protective effects of betaine on liver and kidney function against maternal diabetes in an animal model of STZ-induced diabetic pregnancy.

Oleuropein attenuates cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by some anesthetic drugs in the hippocampal area of rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of oleuropein against oxidative stress in the hippocampal area of rats. We used seven experimental groups as follows: Control, Propofol, Propofol-Ketamine (Pro.-Ket.), Xylazine-Ketamine (Xyl.-Ket.), and three oleuropein-pretreated groups (Ole.-Pro., Ole.-Pro.-Ket. and Ole.-Xyl.-Ket.). The oleuropein-pretreated groups received oleuropein (15 mg/kg body weight as orally) for 10 consecutive days. Propofol 100 mg/kg, xylazine 3 mg/kg, and ketamine 75 mg/kg once as ip was used on the 11th day of treatment. Spatial memory impairment and antioxidant status of hippocampus were measured via Morris water maze, lipid peroxidation marker, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Spatial memory impairment and lipid peroxidation significantly increased in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats in comparison to the control, propofol, Ole.-Pro. and Ole.-Pro.-Ket. groups. Oleuropein pretreatment significantly reversed spatial memory impairment and lipid peroxidation in the Ole.-Xyl.-Ket. group as compared to the Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats. There was no significant difference between the control and the propofol group in lipid peroxidation and spatial memory status. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities both significantly decreased in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats when compared to the control, propofol, Ole.-Pro., Ole.-Pro.-Ket., and Ole.-Xyl.-Ket. groups. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase activity in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats significantly increased as compared to the control, propofol, Pro.-Ket., Ole.-Pro., and Ole.-Pro.-Ket. groups. We concluded that xylazine in combination with ketamine is an oxidative anesthetic drug and oleuropein pretreatment attenuates cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by anesthesia in the hippocampal area of rats. We also confirmed the antioxidant properties of propofol as a promising antioxidant anesthetic agent.

Neuroprotective effects of oleuropein against cognitive dysfunction induced by colchicine in hippocampal CA1 area in rats.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with decline in memory. The role of oxidative stress is well known in the pathogenesis of the disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pretreatment effects of oleuropein on oxidative status and cognitive dysfunction induced by colchicine in the hippocampal CA1 area. Male Wistar rats were pretreated orally once daily for 10 days with oleuropein at doses of 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg. Thereafter, colchicine (15 µg/rat) was administered into the CA1 area of the hippocampus to induce cognitive dysfunction. The Morris water maze was used to assess learning and memory. Biochemical parameters such as glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde concentrations were measured to evaluate the antioxidant status in the rat hippocampus. Our results indicated that colchicine significantly impaired spatial memory and induced oxidative stress; in contrast, oleuropein pretreatment significantly improved learning and memory retention, and attenuated the oxidative damage. The results clearly indicate that oleuropein has neuroprotective effects against colchicine-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative damage in rats.

Importance of cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered herbivores from Iran.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis is well-known as one of the zoonotic diseases in world-wide including Iran. Hydatidosis was considered as a disease that causes severe reduction in meat wool and milk in livestock animals which all of them indicating its importance. Thus, present study was designed to evaluated prevalence of CE in slaughtered animals from Delfan region in Lorestan province of Iran. The samples 6,885 animals were considered based on type of species in a slaughter from Lorestan province. The study performed from 3 April 2009 to 3 April 2012 and inspection carried out from 4,101 cattle, 2,150 sheep and 634 goat. The liver and lungs examined based on CE and showed the highest prevalence in cattle (25.7 %) and the lowest 3.8 % in goat, likewise, CE was more in the lung than to liver. There was significant difference between species of animals and infected organ (P < 0.001). The highest prevalence was seen in winter (32.8 % for cattle, 8.1 % for goat) while, it was 15.7 % for sheep in summer (P = 0.04). Overall these data indicate the necessity of disease control strategy for reduction of CE.

Beneficial antioxidant properties of betaine against oxidative stress mediated by levodopa/benserazide in the brain of rats.

UNLABELLED: The present study was designed to evaluate antioxidant effects of betaine in the brain following administration of levodopa and benserazide, which are routinely used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into levodopa (LD), Betaine (Bet.), levodopa plus betaine (LD/Bet.), levodopa plus benserazide (LD/Ben.), levodopa plus betaine-benserazide (LD/Bet.-Ben.) and control groups. The experimental groups received LD 300 mg/kg, Bet. 1.5 % w/w of the total diet, Ben. 75 mg/kg and distilled water to controls for 10 consecutive days, orally. The concentration of plasma total homocysteine significantly increased in LD/Ben.-treated rats when compared to the other groups. Brain glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and glutathione content both elevated with betaine treatment in LD/Bet. and LD/Bet.-Ben groups. Superoxide dismutase activity was also higher in controls and betaine-treated rats in comparison with LD and LD/Ben. groups. Likewise, catalase activity significantly increased in control and betaine groups when compared to LD- and LD/Ben.-treated rats. In contrast, brain lipid peroxidation significantly increased in response to LD and LD/Ben. TREATMENTS: Regarding metabolism of LD in peripheral tissues, serumic dopamine concentration significantly increased in LD-treated rats in comparison with LD/Ben. group. The present results show beneficial antioxidant and methyl donor properties of betaine versus oxidative stress and hyperhomocysteinemia induced by levodopa and benserazide in an animal model.

Betaine protects cerebellum from oxidative stress following levodopa and benserazide administration in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidant and methyl donor effects of betaine in cerebellum following levodopa and benserazide administration in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were treated with levodopa (LD), betaine (Bet), levodopa plus betaine (LD/Bet), levodopa plus benserazide (LD/Ben), levodopa plus betaine-benserazide (LD/Bet-Ben), and the controls with vehicle for 10 consecutive days, orally. RESULTS: Treatment of rats with LD and benserazide significantly increased total homocysteine in plasma of the LD/Ben group when compared to the other groups. Lipid peroxidation of cerebellum increased significantly in LD-treated rats when compared to the other groups. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione content in cerebellum were significantly higher in the betaine-treated rats when compared to the LD and LD/Ben groups. Serum dopamine concentration increased significantly in LD-treated rats in comparison with the LD/Ben group. LD/Bet-treated rats also demonstrated significantly higher dopamine levels when compared to the LD/Ben group. CONCLUSION: We observed valuable effects of Bet in combination with LD and benserazide, which routinely were used for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, in experimentally-induced oxidative stress and hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. Therefore, it seems that Bet is a vital and promising agent regarding PD for future clinical trials in humans.

The plant histaminase: a promising enzyme with antioxidant properties versus histamine release in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

The present study was designed to evaluate possible protective effects of purified histaminase from Lathyrus sativus L. seedling on the myocardial injuries upon isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. In this regard, blood histamine concentration, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, antioxidant status, and histopathological changes of the hearts were measured. A total of 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five equal groups and treated in the following order: control (normal saline), isoprenaline (isoproterenol 110 mg/kg BW), Isopren.-H1 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 80 U/kg BW), Isopren.-H2 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 120 U/kg BW), and Isopren.-H3 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 160 U/kg BW). Myocardial infarction was manifested by a significant elevation in the level of CK-MB and histopathological findings in isoprenaline group when compared to controls. In contrast, histaminase pretreatment at dose of 160 U/kg prevented isoprenaline-induced histamine release and significantly decreased CK-MB activity as well as histopathological changes in Isopren.-H3 group. A significant increase in the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities was also observed by histaminase treatment in Isopren.-H2 and Isopren.-H3 groups. Although the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly to suppress oxidative stress in isoprenaline group, it was not able to prevent lipid peroxidation (as shown by TBARS concentration) in the heart of rats. In conclusion, the plant-originated histaminase presented as a promising enzyme with antioxidant properties against histamine release and myocardial infarction in rats, and it seems be a suitable therapeutic agent for future clinical trials in humans.

The plant histaminase: a promising enzyme with antioxidant properties versus histamine release in isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats

The present study was designed to evaluate possible protective effects of purified histaminase from Lathyrus sativus L. seedling on the myocardial injuries upon isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. In this regard, blood histamine concentration, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, antioxidant status, and histopathological changes of the hearts were measured. A total of 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five equal groups and treated in the following order: control (normal saline), isoprenaline (isoproterenol 110 mg/kg BW), Isopren.-H1 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 80 U/kg BW), Isopren.-H2 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 120 U/kg BW), and Isopren.-H3 (isoprenaline plus histaminase 160 U/kg BW). Myocardial infarction was manifested by a significant elevation in the level of CK-MB and histopathological findings in isoprenaline group when compared to controls. In contrast, histaminase pretreatment at dose of 160 U/kg prevented isoprenaline-induced histamine release and significantly decreased CK-MB activity as well as histopathological changes in Isopren.-H3 group. A significant increase in the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities was also observed by histaminase treatment in Isopren.-H2 and Isopren.-H3 groups. Although the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly to suppress oxidative stress in isoprenaline group, it was not able to prevent lipid peroxidation (as shown by TBARS concentration) in the heart of rats. In conclusion, the plant-originated histaminase presented as a promising enzyme with antioxidant properties against histamine release and myocardial infarction in rats, and it seems be a suitable therapeutic agent for future clinical trials in humans

Ghrelin is a suppressor of testicular damage following experimentally induced cryptorchidism in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Cryptorchidism is associated with increased level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This study was undertaken to examine the possible ghrelin ability in attenuation of testicular damage in response to elevated temperature. METHODS: Thirty male rats were subdivided into sham-operated, cryptorchidism-saline and cryptorchidism-ghrelin group. Bilateral cryptorchidism was induced in groups 2 and 3, surgically. The animals in group 3 were given ghrelin for 7 days and all testes were taken for biochemical and photomicrograph analysis. RESULTS: Glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione content significantly promoted on day 7 in the cryptorchid rats treated by ghrelin. Catalase activity was higher in the ghrelin-exposed animals than the cryptorchidism-saline group on both experimental days. Although superoxide dismutase activity was elevated by ghrelin treatment on both days, it did not differ significantly. By contrast, significant reduction was observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentrations following ghrelin administration on day 7. Moreover, ghrelin could improve histopathological scores of the testes, and diminished formation of giant cells and tubular vacuolization. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate for the first time the novel evidence of ghrelin antioxidant properties in attenuation of rat testicular injury following experimentally induced cryptorchidism.

Protective effects of Althaea officinalis L. extract in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced hemi-Parkinsonism model: behavioral, biochemical and histochemical evidence.

It is well known that Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in humans. In this regard, the neuroprotective effect of Althaea officinalis (AO) has already been reported. Therefore, this study examined whether administration of AO extract would improve behavioral, biochemical and structural abnormalities in an experimental animal model of PD in rats. For this purpose, we induced hemi-Parkinsonism by unilateral intranigral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 8 µg/5 µl saline-ascorbate). The rats were pretreated i.p. with AO extract (10 mg/kg) started 6 days before surgery and continued until the 3rd day post-surgery. Regarding oxidative stress, brain MDA concentration (as a lipid peroxidation marker) increased significantly in the 6-OHDA-administered group in comparison with rats pretreated with AO extract. It was found that AO treatment attenuated rotational behavior in the 6-OHDA-administered group and protected the neurons of substantia nigra pars compacta against 6-OHDA toxicity. Overall, AO extract administration indicated neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA-induced hemi-Parkinsonism in rats.

Effects of pretreatment with single-dose or intermittent oxygen on Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Renal injury is the main side effect of cisplatin (CP), an anticancer drug. It has been shown that pretreatment with single-dose oxygen (0.5 to six hours) could reduce CP-induced renal toxicity in rats. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the effects of pretreatment with single-dose and intermittent O2 on CP-induced nephrotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male rats were allocated to seven groups (eight rats in each group). The rats were kept in normal air or hyperoxic environment (O2, 80%) for either a single six-hour period or intermittent six hours per day for seven days and then were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of saline or CP (5 mg/kg) at 48 hours, 72 hours, or seven days after exposure to O2. Three days after CP (or Saline) injection, renal function tests, renal tissue injury scores, and cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 genes expression (as markers of renal cell apoptosis) were assessed. RESULTS: Treatment with the 6-hour single-dose O2 reduced renal injury significantly when CP was administrated 48 hours after O2 pretreatment. Pretreatment with intermittent seven days of six hours per day had no protective effects and even relatively worsened renal injury when CP was injected 48 hours or 72 hours after the last session of O2 pretreatment. The beneficial effects of pretreatment with O2 on renal structure and function were seen if CP was administrates seven days after pretreatment with intermittent O2. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of pretreatment with O2 could change this potential and highly protective strategy against CP-induced nephropathy to an ineffective or even mildly deteriorating one. Therefore, O2 administration before CP injection to patients with cancer, for therapeutic purposes or as a preconditioning approach, should be performed and investigated with caution until exact effects of different protocols has been determined in human.

Prevalence of hydatidosis in slaughtered animals in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Hydatid cyst or cystic echincoccosis (CE) is an important medical and veterinary problem in the world, especially in Iran. Domestic intermediate hosts are a major reservoir for the disease in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts in slaughtered animals in Isfahan, central part of Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study performed from 10 May 2009 to 10 May 2010, a total of 196,325 animals (89,651 sheep, 93,050 goats, 9,112 cattle and 4,512 calves) were inspected macroscopically for hydatid cysts. RESULTS: Prevalence rate of CE in sheep, goats, cattle and calf was 16.4%, 3.1%, 6.5% and 8.2%, respectively. In all cases, the prevalence in female cattle and sheep was more than in males (P < 0.001). There are significant seasonal pattern for hydatidosis only in sheep (P < 0.001) and the highest prevalence of cysts was seen in autumn and winter seasons. The fertility of cysts in the liver of sheep (77%) was higher than in lungs (47.9%), but was higher in lungs in cattle (44%). Most condemnation cases were seen in lung of sheep (27.1%). CONCLUSION: It appears that sheep are the most important intermediate hosts for E. granolusus in this area.

Oleuropein prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities in rats

Purified oleuropein from olive leaf extract has been shown to have antioxidant effects in our recent studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant abilities of oleuropein in comparison with ranitidine in ethanol-induced gastric damages via evaluation of ulcer index inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation level. Fifty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven equal groups as follows: control group, ethanol group (absolute ethanol 1 ml/rat), oleuropein group (12 mg/kg), and oleuropein (6, 12, and 18 mg/kg) plus ethanol groups, as well as ranitidine (50 mg/kg) plus ethanol group. Pretreatment with oleuropein (12 and 18 mg/kg) significantly increased the ulcer index inhibition (percent), in comparison with oleuropein (6 mg/kg). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly lower in the ethanol group when compared with the other groups whereas, treatment of rats with oleuropein (12 mg/kg) significantly increased glutathione content in gastric tissue when compared with the other groups, and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in the oleuropein- (12 and 18 mg/kg) and ranitidine-treated animals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were both much higher in oleuropein-treated rats than the ethanol group, and although there was a moderate increase in SOD and CAT activities in ranitidine-treated rats, the differences were not significant. These findings suggest that oleuropein has beneficial antioxidant properties against ethanol-induced gastric damages in the rat. Therefore, it seems that a combination regimen including both antioxidant and antisecretory drugs may be beneficial in prevention of ethanol-mediated gastric mucosal damages (AU)

Ghrelin regulates Bax and PCNA but not Bcl-2 expressions following scrotal hyperthermia in the rat.

More recently, we have reported the beneficial effects of ghrelin in improvement of histopathological features of the rat testis following local heat exposure. However, the exact mechanism and the precise role of apoptosis- and proliferation-specific proteins in this regeneration process remained to be explored. Thus, thirty adult male Wistar rats were allotted for the experiment and subdivided equally into three groups: control-saline (CS), heat-saline (HS) and heat-ghrelin (HG). The scrota of HS and HG groups were immersed once in water bath at 43°C for 15 min. HG animals received 2 nmol of ghrelin subcutaneously immediately after heating every other day until day 60 and the other groups were given physiological saline using the same method. The testes of all groups were taken after rat killing on days 30 and 60 after heat treatment for immunocytochemical detection of pro-apoptotic factor Bax, anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and proliferation-associated peptide PCNA in the germ cells. Ghrelin could significantly suppress the Bax expression in spermatocytes compared to the HS group at day 30 (P<0.05). Likewise, the mean percentages of spermatogonia containing Bax substance were lower in ghrelin-exposed animals, however the differences were not statistically significant. There were immunoreactive cells against Bcl-2 in each germ cell neither in the control nor in the heated animals of experimental groups. In contrast, the number of PCNA immunolabeling cells were higher in HG group in compared to HS or CS animals on both experimental days (P<0.001). Down-regulation of Bax expression concurrent with overexpression of PCNA in HG group indicates the ability of ghrelin in acceleration of testicular germ cells regeneration following heat stress. These findings indicate that ghrelin may be used as a novel and efficient antioxidant agent to induce resumption of spermatogenesis upon environmental heat exposure.

Oleuropein prevents ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities in rats.

Purified oleuropein from olive leaf extract has been shown to have antioxidant effects in our recent studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant abilities of oleuropein in comparison with ranitidine in ethanol-induced gastric damages via evaluation of ulcer index inhibition, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation level. Fifty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven equal groups as follows: control group, ethanol group (absolute ethanol 1 ml/rat), oleuropein group (12 mg/kg), and oleuropein (6, 12, and 18 mg/kg) plus ethanol groups, as well as ranitidine (50 mg/kg) plus ethanol group. Pretreatment with oleuropein (12 and 18 mg/kg) significantly increased the ulcer index inhibition (percent), in comparison with oleuropein (6 mg/kg). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was significantly lower in the ethanol group when compared with the other groups whereas, treatment of rats with oleuropein (12 mg/kg) significantly increased glutathione content in gastric tissue when compared with the other groups, and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in the oleuropein- (12 and 18 mg/kg) and ranitidine-treated animals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were both much higher in oleuropein-treated rats than the ethanol group, and although there was a moderate increase in SOD and CAT activities in ranitidine-treated rats, the differences were not significant. These findings suggest that oleuropein has beneficial antioxidant properties against ethanol-induced gastric damages in the rat. Therefore, it seems that a combination regimen including both antioxidant and antisecretory drugs may be beneficial in prevention of ethanol-mediated gastric mucosal damages.