Protective Effects of Tunisian Orange Co-Product Extract and Oleuropein-Hesperidin Combination on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial pneumonia that leads to acute lung damage, deterioration of lung function, and increased mortality risk. In this study, we investigated the effects of the orange coproduct extract (OCE) and the combination of pure hesperidin and oleuropein (HO) on an experimental model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six groups: the control group (G1), the BLM group (G2), three groups (G3, G4, G5) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with OCE extract at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, and group 6 (G6) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with HO: both pure major phenolic compounds of OCE (hesperidin at 50 mg/kg) and olive leaves (oleuropein at 2.5 mg/kg). Oxidative stress in lung tissues was investigated using catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) assays and the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Treatment with OCE and HO normalized the disturbance in oxidative markers' levels and showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score with no renal or hepatic toxic effects. In conclusion, OCE and HO exhibit antifibrotic effects on a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis.

The inhibitory effects on adult male reproductive functions of crude garlic (Allium sativum) feeding / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>AIM</b>to investigate the effects of crude garlic on adult male rat reproductive functions.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male rats were divided into five groups: group 1 (untreated) and groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed for 30 days with 5%, 10%, 15% and 30% crude garlic, respectively. Testes and accessory organs were weighed and some markers were assessed. Light and electron microscopy observations were also performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A significant decrease was observed in the body weight of groups 4 (14%; P < 0.01) and 5 (20%; P < 0.01); of the prostate weight in group 5 (29.1%; P < 0.05) and of seminal vesicle weight in groups 3 (14.4%; P < 0.01), 4 (18.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (27.3%; P < 0.01). In contrast, testis and epididymis weights were unchanged. In epididymis tissue, the alpha glucosidase activity and the spermatozoa density were unchanged. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in testosterone serum levels in groups 3 (77.3%; P < 0.01), 4 (77.3%; P < 0.01) and 5 (90.9%; P < 0.01), associated with a significant increase in LH serum levels (P < 0.01). Testicular histology showed a dose-dependent increase in the percentage of empty seminiferous tubules. Moreover, testicular function was affected; a significant decrease in phosphatase acid activity (P < 0.01) and testosterone (P < 0.05) contents were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Crude garlic consumption during 1 month reduced testosterone secretion and altered spermatogenesis at 10%, 15% and 30% doses.</p>