In vivo determination of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) in an asthmatic rat model.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways strongly associated with interleukin-4 (IL-4), a cytokine that mediates and regulates various immune responses, including allergic reactions. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of an Aqueous Extract of Clove (AEC) Syzygium aromaticum on the lungs and erythrocytes of an experimental asthma model in Wistar rats. For this purpose, four groups of male rats were examined: control, sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), treated with AEC, and treated with a combination of OVA/AEC. After treatment, the antioxidant effect was determined by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined by measuring IL-4 levels by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using serum, lung, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. A significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the MDA levels and a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the levels of GPx and CAT were observed in the lungs of rats treated with cloves. However, no statistically significant variation was observed in GSH levels. In erythrocytes, no statistically significant differences were observed between the experimental batches. Regarding the anti-inflammatory effect, the administration of S. aromaticum extract to sensitized rats resulted in a recovery in the levels of total proteins and IL-4 and a decrease in the three compartments studied (lungs, serum, and bronchoalveolar liquid). These results were confirmed by microscopic examination of lung histological sections. Overall, these findings confirmed that the AEC has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Matricaria Pubescens on High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats.

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of Matricaria pubescens by LC-MS/MS and evaluate the potential protective effect of its supplementation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group served as control and received the standard diet. The second group (HFD) received a high-fat diet only (30 % of sheep fat). The third group's (control+MP) animals received a standard diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens (w/w). The fourth group (HFD+MP) received a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens for 16 weeks. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that M. pubescens contains many phytochemical compounds. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of M. pubescens has a higher phenolic content than the aqueous extract. The supplementation of M. pubescens (5 % w/w) to HFD rats decreased significantly (p<0.01) body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue relative weights, glycemia, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance, liver markers, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level, and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities as well as ameliorated histological alterations through the reduction hepatic lipid deposition and adipocytes hypertrophy compared to the HFD group. We conclude that M. pubescens powder may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver markers while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of high-fat diet-fed rats.

In-vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) aqueous extracts collected from the National Park of El-Kala (North-East, Algeria).

The aim of our study is to evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of Chamaemelum nobile. Aqueous extracts were administrated to Wistar rats in bronchial-inflammation experimentally induced by an allergen and ovalbumin, administered intraperitoneally / intranasally (20mg/kg/day). Experimentation showed disturbances in bronchoalveolar fluid with increased leukocyte and lymphocyte levels as well as IL-4 concentration in the lungs and erythrocytes associated with high lipid peroxidation. There were disturbances in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Lungs histopathological showed an inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, moderate edema of alveoli, vascular congestion and suffusion hemorrhage. Administration of aqueous extract to OVA-sensitized rats caused a significant and very highly significant improvement of MDA levels in lungs, erythrocytes, GSH, GPx, GST, catalase and SOD. We notice a decrease in IL-4 in LBA and lungs alongside reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, mild bronchiolar dilation, mild alveolar edema and normal cell morphology allowing us to conclude on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory activity of Roman chamomile.

Oral Intake of Combined Natural Immunostimulants Suppresses the 7,12-DMBA/ Croton Oil Induced Two-step Skin Carcinogenesis in Swiss Albino Mice.

BACKGROUND: The immune system is critical in fighting cancer, so is it possible that the natural stimulation of this system can slow down or stop the evolution of cancer? Our in vivo study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of the combination of five types of immunostimulants, which are Beta-glucan and Arabinogalactan as polysaccharides and three mushroom extracts (Reishi, Maitake, and Shiitake), on 7,12-Dimethyl Benz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/ Croton oil-induced papilloma in Swiss albino mice. METHODOLOGY: We used blood count analyses to estimate broadly the immunological reaction and biochemical techniques to determine the oxidative stress variations in the enzymatic activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), and Glutathion peroxidase (GPx), which could have a preventive function against cancer development. RESULTS: The cutaneous application of the DMBA/Croton oil caused precancerous hyperplasia in squamous cells (papilloma) on the back of the mice. Tumor development was accompanied by a decrease in SOD and GPx activities. The treatment with the immunostimulants led to the total disappearance of the incidence of skin papillomas and also showed a nearly back to normal SOD activity but not CAT and GPx activities. The increase in the level of immune cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, and white blood cells) reflected a clear enhancement of the immune system activity. DISCUSSION: The healthy epidermis observed with treated mice simultaneously subjected to the cancerogenosis protocol suggests the inhibition of spinous cell proliferation leading to the total suppression of the hyperplasia. Moreover, the increase in the level of immune cells in this batch reflects an inflammatory reaction. Indeed, previous studies reported that immunostimulants, including Betaglucan involve a release of some inflammatory mediators who would be at the origin of its anticancer activity. Cancerogenesis has clearly disrupted the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, but the relationship between the two process is often complex. Bibliographic data led us to suggest that low catalytic activities of CAT and GPx observed in treated mice simultaneously subjected to the cancerogenesis protocol, would have induce an accumulation of H2O2 which has often been described as an inducer of cancer cells apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Immunostimulants used in our study could have an effective protective effect against skin carcinogenesis via the enhancement of the global function of the immune system and modulation of the antioxidant defense. KEYWORDS: Immunostimulants, Beta-glucan, Arabinogalactan, Reishi, Maitake, Shiitake, DMBA, Croton oil, Oxidative stress, Carcinogenesis. ABBREVIATIONS: C, control group; Dc, drug control group; Pc, positive control group; St, sick treated group;DMBA, 7,12 Dimethyl Benz[a]anthracene; NK, natural killer; CAT, catalase; SOD, superoxide dismutase, GPx, glutathione peroxidase; IS, immunostimulants; WBC, White blood cells; LY, Lymphocytes; MO, Monocytes; ROS, Reactive oxygen species; ONAB, Office national des aliments de bétail.

Chemical composition, antioxidant activities, in an allergic asthma model, of Olea europaea L. leaf extracts from Collo (Skikda, Algeria).

This study is an attempt to characterize the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of olive leaves variety (namely Bouricha variety) that is very widespread in the East of Algeria. The aqueous extract (AE) of leaves was initially analyzed for its phenolic profile. Using the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis, it was possible to identify the predominant components in the AE of the leaves. This extract was hydrolyzed with acid and gave hydroxytyrosol (HT). AE and HT were evaluated for their 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum method. The antioxidant and anti-asthmatic activities of these extracts were examined in a model of experimental asthma in Wistar rats. For measuring the intensity of the airway inflammation, oxidative stress parameters were analyzed in lungs and a histological study of this tissue was performed. The obtained results showed that the sensitization of the ovalbumin (OVA) group induced lung inflammation and severe lipid peroxidation (LPO) revealed by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and a decrease in the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant systems. However, the administration of AE and HT extracts significantly improved the antioxidant state in asthma disease and provided evidence for the relation between phenolic compounds and the high antioxidant activity of olive leaves extracts, especially HT more than AE.

Estrogens desensitize MCF-7 breast cancer cells to apelin-induced autophagy and enhanced growth under estrogen starvation: a possible implication in endocrine resistance.

Apelin-13 is an adipokine known for its growth-inducing effects on human breast cancer cells in an estrogen-containing environment. However, the response of these cells to apelin-13 in the absence of estrogen and its association with the expression of the apelin receptor (APLNR) has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we show that the breast cancer cell line MCF-7 expresses the APLNR as shown by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, under conditions of ER starvation and that culture of these cells in the presence of apelin-13 results in an increased growth rate and a diminished autophagy flux.  Moreover, the binding of APLNR by apelin-13 resulted in an increased growth rate (assayed by AlamarBlue) and a diminished autophagy flux (monitored by Lysotracker Green). The latter observations were reversed in the presence of exogenous estrogen. Finally, apelin-13 induces the deactivation of the apoptotic kinase AMPK. Taken together, our results show that APLNR signaling in breast cancer cells is functional and prevents tumor growth under conditions of estrogen starvation. They furthermore suggest an alternative mechanism of estrogen-independent tumor growth thereby positioning the APLNR-AMPK axis as a novel pathway and a possible therapeutic target in endocrine resistance of breast cancer cells.

Adaptogenic activity of Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus globulus, Lavandula stœchas and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil used in North-African folk medicine.

Depressive anxiety is one of the most emotional disorders in our industrial societies. Many treatments of phobias exist and are based on plant extracts therapies, which play an important role in the amelioration of the behavior. Our study aimed to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of different essential oils provided from local plants: Cinnamomum camphora (Camphora), Eucalyptus globulus (Blue gum), Lavandula stœchas (Topped lavender) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) on Wistar rats. The adaptogenic activity was evaluated on the elevated plus-maze. The efficacy of the extract (200 mL/kg) was compared with the standard anxiolytic drug Diazepam® 1 mg. Animals administered by the essential oil of Lavandula stœchas, Cinnamomum camphora, Rosmarinus officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus showed a behavior similar to those treated with Diazepam®. For groups treated with the following essential oils: Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula stoechas and Cinnamomum camphora at a dose of 200 mL/kg, we notice an increase in the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus-maze and a decrease in time spent on the closed arms of the elevated plus-maze, especially for Rosmarinus officinalis, which explains the anxiolytic effect of these plants. We also notice a decrease in the number of entries in closed arms, open arms and the number of passing to the central square. The increase in the number of entries to open arms with Eucalyptus globulus essential oil shows a reduction in anxiety behavior in rodents and this shows that these plants have an inhibitory effect.

Nephroprotective effect of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the present study, we investigate the phytochemical composition and the nephroprotective effects as well as the antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract in alloxan-induced experimental diabetes in rats. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: Wistar rats were divided into four groups of seven rats each: Group I: Normal control (NC) received saline solution at 9‰ given by intraperitoneal way; Group II: Diabetic control (DC) received alloxan (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally; Group III: Normal control (NC + AHA) received saline solution at 9‰ and treated orally by AHA aqueous extract (400 mg/kg/b.w); Group IV: Diabetic control (DC + AHA) received alloxan solution (150 mg/kg b.w) intraperitoneally and treated by aqueous extract of AHA (400 mg/kg/b.w/day) orally after one week of alloxan administration. After 30 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis, respectively. Glomerular damage markers, including creatinine, serum urea, urine creatinine and urine urea levels were estimated. Creatinine clearance was also assessed. Oxidative stress parameters were assessed in the kidney homogenate. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Alloxan-exposure resulted in significant increase in blood glucose and serum level of glomerular damage markers. The antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly downregulated associated with an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level over the baseline values. Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract supplementation significantly improved the studied parameters. In concluding, the results obtained suggests that Artemisia herbs-alba aqueous extract supplementation reduces alloxan-induced free radical generation, potentiates the antioxidant defense system and alleviates renal sensitivity to oxidative stress.

Roundup-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver and kidney of rats: the ameliorative effects of Linum usitatissimum oil.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effects of Linum usitatissimum oil (LuO) against sub-chronic Roundup (RDP)-induced toxicity and oxidative stress in rats. Rats were divided into four groups: control group (no treatment), RDP group (Roundup at 269.9 mg/kg b.w.), LuO group (0.5 g/kg b.w. of LuO) and RDP+LuO group (RDP and LuO simultaneously). LuO decreased the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC50=10.36 µg/ml) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50=22.85 mg/ml) in the tested tissues. The 30-day exposure of rats to RDP caused an increase in serum hepatic and renal markers: AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γGT, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. In addition, SOD, CAT and GST activities decreased by 43%, 61%, and 61%, respectively, while GPx activity, MDA and PCOs levels increased by 80%, 46%, 25%, respectively. LuO treatment alleviated hepatotoxicity in RDP-treated rats, showing improved levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemical parameters. The histological examination of the liver and kidney confirmed the changes in Roundup-treated rats and demonstrated the protective role of LuO.

Pumpkin seed oil alleviates oxidative stress and liver damage induced by sodium nitrate in adult rats: biochemical and histological approach.

BACKGROUND: Nitrate (NO3) is the most common chemical contaminant in the world's ground water aquifer. Oxidative stress has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in NO3 toxicity on non-target organism. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to elucidate the potential protective effect of Telfairia occidentalis (pumpkin seed oil, PSO) against hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrate. METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed either to NaNO3 (200 mg/kg bw) in drinking water in drinking water, or to 4ml PSO/kg bw by gavage or to their combination. Oxidative stress parameters, biochemical biomarkers and liver histopathological examination were determined. RESULTS: Our data showed that the exposure of rats to NaNO3 caused significant changes of some haematological parameters compared to the control. In addition, there was a significant elevation of the levels of biochemical markers as that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase when compared with the control. Furthermore, exposure of rats to NaNO3 induced liver oxidative stress as indicated by the increase of malondialdehyde, progressive oxidation of protein products and protein carbonyl levels. In addition, a reduction in anti-oxidant status (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and vitamin C) was observed. CONCLUSION: Co-administration of PSO to the NaNO3 restored most parameters cited above to near-normal values. Therefore, the present investigation revealed the ability of PSO to attenuate NaNO3-induced oxidative damage.

Atriplex halimus aqueous extract abrogates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating biochemical and histological changes in rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of Atriplex halimus aqueous leaves extract (AHAE) against acute carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: group (C) served as a control treated with 1 ml/(kg bw) of olive oil, and group (CCl4) was treated with 1 ml CCl4/(kg bw) dissolved in olive oil administered by intraperitoneal way. Rats of group (CCl4+AHAE) have received CCl4 and treated with 200 mg AHAE/(kg bw). Animals of group (AHAE) were treated with 200 mg/(kg bw) of AHAE. A significant increase in malondialdehyde levels in liver associated with a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione content was observed in CCl4 group compared to controls. The administration of AHAE to CCl4+AHAE group improved all parameters studied. We conclude that CCl4 induces oxidative stress and modifies biochemical parameters and histological aspects of liver. Administration of AHAE alleviates the toxicity induced by this organic compound.

Preliminary Assessment of Stress and Genotoxicity Biomarkers in Bivalve Molluscs from the Gulf of Annaba, Algeria.

The aim of this work is to assess biomarker responses to stresses caused by pollution of the marine environment in the Gulf of Annaba, using the bivalve mollusc Donax trunculus and Mytilus galloprovincialis. Males and females were collected during the summer from site 1 considered to be far from pollution sources (SM1 and SD1), site 2 (SM2 and SD2) exposed to a mixture of contaminants, and site 3 (SM3 and SD3) receiving the untreated sewage. The whole body was used for the determination of malonaldehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and DNA damage. The MDA concentration from site 2 of both species has indicated significant augmentation. The two bivalves from S2 and S3 have recorded significant decrease of GSH level, with the highest number of Comet scores. A significant site and sex effect was measured for the level of GSH and MDA, accompanied with a significant site effect for DNA damage. The genotoxicity seems correlated with the stress biomarkers and dependent on the effluent types.

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of Artemisia herba alba aqueous extract on hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Chronic hyperglycemia and excess reactive oxygen species overproduced in diabetes were associated with oxidative stress, led to continuous injury and functions damage to different organs: eyes, kidneys, neural and cardiovascular system. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Artemisia herba alba (AHA) leaf powder against alloxane-induced oxidative damage in diabetic rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I controls received saline solution 9%; Group II was treated with 150 mg alloxane/(kg body weight) administered by intraperitoneal. Rats of Group III have received saline solution and treated with 400 mg AHA/(kg body weight). Animals of Group IV were treated with alloxane and AHA. Alloxane exposure led to increased blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde, and a decrease in the antioxidants enzymes activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase). Administration of AHA aqueous extract ameliorated these parameters. These results demonstrate that AHA ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats.

Efficacy of Allium sativum oil to alleviate tebuconazol-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats.

The present study focused on the protective efficacy of Allium sativum oil (ASO) against tebuconazol (TEB)-induced oxidative stress in the liver of adult rats. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight each: group I served as control rats, group II was treated with TEB (100 mg/kg bw), group III received ASO (5ml/kg bw). The animals of group IV were treated with TEB and ASO, during 4 weeks. The obtained results showed that TEB induced a significant change of some hematological parameters, including red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), white blood cells (WBC) and platelet (Plt) compared to the control group. Moreover, while the total cholesterol levels and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and γ-Glutamyltranspeptidase (γGT) significantly increased due to TEB administration, the concentrations of plasma total protein, albumin and triglyceride considerably decreased. Furthermore, the exposure to TEB significantly increased the malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities in the hepatic tissues. The results were confirmed by the histological impairments. Besides, the co-administration of ASO improved the status of all studied parameters. Therefore, our investigation revealed that ASO had protective effects against TEB-induced liver injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.

Modulatory Role of Selenium and Vitamin E, Natural Antioxidants, against Bisphenol A-Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Albinos Rats.

Bisphenol A, an everywhere chemical, is applied as a plasticizer in polycarbonate plastics, which often used in our everyday products and in epoxy resins as protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans for decades. Human exposure to BPA may lead to adverse effects by interfering with oestrogen receptors. Our present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (Vit E) on BPA-induced damage in the liver of male rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups: the first group received olive oil and served as control. The second group received both (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet). The third one treated orally by (10 mg/kg b.w.) of BPA. The last group received (Se + Vit E) (0.5 mg/kg diet; 100 mg/kg of diet) concomitantly with (10 mg/kg b.w.) BPA. Exposure to BPA for three weeks engendered a hepatic disorder. An increased AST and ALT enzymatic activity was noticed in BPA-treated group as compared to other groups. Furthermore, a change in glucose, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, albumin, and bilirubin level was remarkable. Moreover, exposure to BPA increased malondialdehyde levels while reduced gluthatione content was decreased in the liver homogenate. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase, glutathione s-transferase and catalase activities was observed in the same group. Administration of selenium and vitamin E through the diet in BPA treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. In addition, an improvement in activities of liver enzymes was recorded. The histological findings confirmed the biochemical results. The model of this study that we employed characterized the relationships between BPA-induced hepatotoxicity and its alleviation by natural antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E.

Urtica dioica attenuates ovalbumin-induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation of lung tissues in rat asthma model.

CONTEXT: To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-asthmatic activity, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) leaves (UD), the closest extract to the Algerian traditional use. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I: negative control; group II: Ovalbumin sensitized/challenged rats (positive control); group III: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol; group IV: received UD extract (1.5 g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol and sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin. After 25 days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. The oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the lungs, liver and erythrocytes. Then, correlations between markers of airway inflammation and markers of oxidative stress were explored. RESULTS: UD extract significantly (p < 0.01) inhibited eosinophilia increases in BALF (-60%) and the levels of leucocytes (-32.75%) and lymphocytes (-29.22%) in serum, and effectively suppressed inflammatory cells recruitment in the asthmatic rat model. Besides, the lipid peroxidation generated by allergen administration was significantly (p < 0.05) diminished by UD treatment in lung tissue (-48.58%). The nettle extract was also investigated for the total phenolic content (30.79 ± 0.96 mg gallic acid/g dry extract) and shows DPPH radical scavenging activity with 152.34 ± 0.37 µg/mL IC50 value. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that UD administration might be responsible for the protective effects of this extract against airway inflammation.

Potential antioxidant properties and hepatoprotective effects of Juniperus phoenicea berries against CCl4 induced hepatic damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Juniperus phoenicea (J. phoenicea) berries against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats. METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats by single dose of CCl4 dissolved in olive oil (1 mL/kg BW, 1/1 in olive oil, i.p.). Aqueous extract of J. phoenicea berries (AEJP) was administered at the dose of 250 mg/kg/day by gavage for 12 days. RESULTS: Obtained results revealed that administration of CCl4 caused a significant increase in plasma ASAT, ALAT, ALP and LDH activities and total bilirubin concentration, compared to the control group. While, albumin and total protein concentration were significantly lower. Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of hepatic GSH, GPx and GST activities associated with a significant increase of MDA content in CCl4 group than those of the control. However, the treatment of experimental rats with AEJP prevented these alterations and maintained the antioxidant status. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present investigation indicate that J. Phoenicea possesses hepatoprotective activity and this effect was may be due to its antioxidant properties.

Prophylactic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on sodium fluoride induced oxidative damage in liver and erythrocytes of rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice (PGJ) on oxidative damages in liver tissue and erythrocytes of rats intoxicated by sodium fluoride (NaF). Rats were randomly divided into two groups: group I received standard diet and group II received orally 1 mL of PGJ. After 5 weeks of pretreatment, each group was divided again into two subgroups and treated for another 3 weeks as follows: group I was subdivided into a control group and a group that was treated with 100 ppm of NaF (in drinking water); group II was subdivided into one group that was treated daily with both 100 ppm NaF and PGJ (1 mL orally) and one that received daily 1 mL of pomegranate juice. Exposure to NaF decreased hematological parameters, changed the total protein, albumin, bilirubin levels, and increased the activities of hepatic marker enzymes. We also noted an increase in lipid peroxidation contents, accompanied by a decrease of reduced glutathione levels. Antioxidant enzyme activities in both tissues were modified in the NaF group compared with the control group. However, the administration of PGJ juice caused an amelioration of the previous parameters. Our results indicated the potential effects of NaF to induce oxidative damage in tissues and the ability of PGJ to attenuate NaF-induced oxidative injury.

Oxidative stress-related liver dysfunction by sodium arsenite: Alleviation by Pistacia lentiscus oil.

CONTEXT: Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) is an evergreen shrub widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean region. Pistacia lentiscus oil (PLo) was particularly known in North African traditional medicine. Thus, people of these regions have used it externally to treat sore throats, burns and wounds, as well as they employed it internally for respiratory allergies. PLo is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E and polyphenols. As a very active site of metabolism, liver is reported to be susceptible to arsenic (As) intoxication. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluates the protective effect of PLo against sodium arsenite-induced hepatic dysfunction and oxidative stress in experimental Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight rats were equally divided into four groups; the first served as a control, the remaining groups were respectively treated with PLo (3.3 mL/kg body weight), sodium arsenite (5.55 mg/kg body weight) and a combination of sodium arsenite and PLo. After 21 consecutive days, cellular functions were evaluated by hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the levels of red blood cells, haemoglobin (p ≤ 0.001), hematocrit (p ≤ 0.001), reduced glutathione and metallothionein (p ≤ 0.05) associated with a significant increase of malondialdehyde (p ≤ 0.001) were noticed in the arsenic-exposed group when compared to the control. The As-treated group also exhibited an increase in hepatic antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (p ≤ 0.01) and catalase (p ≤ 0.05). However, the co-administration of PLo has relatively reduced arsenic effect. CONCLUSION: The results showed that arsenic intoxication disturbed the liver pro-oxidant/antioxidant status. PLo co-administration mitigates arsenic-induced oxidative damage in rat.

Protective effects of vitamin C and selenium supplementation on methomyl-induced tissue oxidative stress in adult rats.

Methomyl (MET) is used worldwide in agriculture and health programs. Besides its advantages in the agriculture, it causes several toxic effects. The objective of this study was to examine the potential ability of vitamin C and/or selenium (Se), to alleviate the oxidative damage parameters, against MET-induced changes in blood biochemical markers and oxidative damage in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. The animals were randomized into five groups of eight each: group I served as control rats; group II received MET (8 mg/kg body weight (BW)) in drinking water; group III received both MET and vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW; by intraperitoneal injection); group IV received both MET and Se (0.6 mg/100 g BW). Animals of group V were treated with MET, vitamin C and Se. A significant increase in the levels of hepatic markers enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) was determined. Furthermore, renal markers such as urea and creatinine were increased in MET-treated rats. Additionally, serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly enhanced. Exposure of rats to MET caused significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, thus causing a drastic alteration in antioxidant defense system, particularly in the activities of catalase and glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase. However, simultaneous supplementation with vitamin C and Se restored these parameters partially. In conclusion, the results of the current study revealed that MET-induced toxicity caused perturbations of some biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation and alterations in the antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidney homogenates. Administration of vitamin C and Se exhibited protective effect by inhibiting MET-induced toxicity in liver and kidney.