Beneficial effects of Salvia officinalis essential oil on vanadium-induced testicular injury, DNA damage and histological alterations in Wistar rats.

Vanadium has been shown to catalyze the generation of reactive oxygen species. Since free radical production and lipid peroxidation are potentially important mediators in testicular physiology and pathophysiology, the present study was conducted to elucidate vanadium-induced oxidative damage in rat testis and the ameliorative role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SEO) against the adverse effects of this heavy metal. Adult male Wistar rats were treated daily during 10 days either with ammonium metavanadate (5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally), SEO (15 mg/kg bw, orally) or their combination. A group of rats receiving daily a saline solution served as a negative control. Vanadium treatment induced a significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, serum testosterone level and sperm number and motility. An increase in lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation as well as a marked inhibition in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the testes and seminal vesicles indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress after vanadium toxicity. Histopathological changes in testis and seminal vesicles were also observed following vanadium administration. However, co-administration of SEO to vanadium-treated rats resulted in an appreciable improvement of these parameters, emphasizing the therapeutic effects of SEO. It can be suggested that SEO mitigates vanadium-induced reproductive damage due to its antioxidant capacity. Thus, we can hypothesize that SEO supplementation could protect against vanadium poisoning.

Antioxidant role of selenium against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity in mice.

The current study was conducted to assess the beneficial effect of selenium (Se) on maneb-induced cardiotoxicity and fatty acid alterations in adult mice. Swiss albino male mice were assigned into four experimental groups. The first group consisted of negative controls. The second group represented the positive controls where mice received daily, via the diet, sodium selenite at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg. For the third group, mice were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of maneb (30 mg/kg BW). The fourth group (MB+Se) received daily the same dose of maneb as group 3 along with sodium selenite at the same dose as group 2. Mice exposure to maneb caused cardiotoxicity as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and protein carbonyl levels, and an alteration of the antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and vitamin C). Plasma lactate dehydrogenase activity and total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased. Results showed also a decrease in the amount of n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and eicosapentaenoic acids. However, an increase in the levels of MUFA, cis-vaccenic, and palmitoleic acids was observed. Co-administration of Se restored the parameters indicated above to near control values. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Selenium could be a useful and efficient agent against maneb-induced cardiotoxicity.

Potential antioxidant effects of Narcissus tazetta phenolic compounds against cadmium chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Narcissus tazetta (Amaryllidaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used for cut flowers and potted ornamental plant in Tunisia flora. The current study evaluated the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of its flower extracts and investigated its potential protective activity against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Mice were divided into six groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls, received by intraperitoneal way only distilled water; group 2 received by intraperitoneal way CdCl2 (0.16 mg/kg bw); groups 3 and 4 received CdCl2 at the same dose of group 2 and 100 or 200 mg/kg bw of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts via oral route; groups 5 and 6, serving as positive controls, received only Narcissus tazetta flower extracts. Polyphenolic compounds of the extract were analyzed by colorimetric and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) methods. Total antioxidant activity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging potential of the extract were estimated using colorimetric method. Results indicated that ethanolic flower extract contained high levels of total phenolic and flavonoid along with a strong total antioxidant and DPPH free radical scavenging activities. HPLC-MS analysis identified eight phenolic compounds, including rutin, kaempferol glycosides, and chlorogenic acids. The extract also exhibited marked hepatoprotective effects against CdCl2 toxicity by reducing hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, hydrogen peroxide, metallothioneins, and DNA degradation. Additionally, co-administration of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts lowered the plasma activities of transaminases, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase and increased hepatic levels of reduced glutathione, nonprotein thiols, vitamin C, and catalase activity. The hepatoprotective effects of the extract were demonstrated by histopathological improvement of liver disorders. The current study provided ethnopharmacological application of Narcissus tazetta flower extracts against CdCl2-induced oxidative stress, suggesting its chemoprevention role of its phenolic compounds as a natural antioxidant.

Zinc alleviates maneb-induced kidney injury in adult mice through modulation of oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and histopathological changes.

Zinc is one of the important essential trace minerals to human health due to its antioxidant properties. The present study was conducted to elucidate its potential protective role against maneb-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each. Mice of group I (negative controls) have received daily 0.5 ml of distilled water, a solvent of maneb. Mice of group II (MB) have received 30 mg/kg bw of maneb daily by intraperitoneal way. Mice of group III (MB + Zn) have received the same dose of maneb as group II, along with ZnSO4 (30 mg/kg bw) daily. Mice of group IV (Zn), considered as positive controls, have received the same dose of ZnSO4 as group III daily. Our results revealed that ZnSO4 co-administration to maneb-treated mice decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products; the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants like vitamin C, glutathione, and metallothionein. It recovered the alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) and attenuated DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, this essential trace element was also able to alleviate kidney biomarkers' alterations by lowering plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, and lactate dehydrogenase. In addition, the histopathological changes induced by maneb were improved following zinc administration. Our results indicated that zinc might be beneficial against maneb-induced renal oxidative damage in mice.

Protective effects of dietary selenium and vitamin C in barium-induced cardiotoxicity.

Several metals including barium (Ba) known as environmental pollutants provoke deleterious effects on human health. The present work pertains to the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin C, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate the toxic effects induced by barium chloride (BaCl2) in the heart of adult rats. Animals were randomly divided into seven groups of six each: group 1, serving as negative controls, received distilled water; group 2 received in their drinking water BaCl2 (67 ppm); group 3 received both Ba and Se (sodium selenite 0.5 mg kg-1 of diet); group 4 received both Ba and vitamin C (200 mg kg-1 bodyweight) via force feeding; group 5 received Ba, Se, and vitamin C; and groups 6 and 7, serving as positive controls, received either Se or vitamin C for 21 days. The exposure of rats to BaCl2 caused cardiotoxicity as monitored by an increase in malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and advanced oxidation protein product levels, a decrease in Na+-K+ adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), Mg2+ ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase activities and in antioxidant defense system (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and nonprotein thiols). Plasma lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels increased, while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level decreased. Coadministration of Se and/or vitamin C restored the parameters indicated above to near control values. The histopathological findings confirmed the biochemical results. Se and vitamin C may be a promising therapeutic strategy for Ba-induced heart injury.

Improvement of kidney redox states contributes to the beneficial effects of dietary pomegranate peel against barium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats.

CONTEXT: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is known to possess enormous antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the protective effects of pomegranate peel against barium-mediated renal damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were exposed during 21 days either to barium (67 ppm), barium + pomegranate peel (5% of diet) or to only pomegranate peel (5% of diet). RESULTS: Exposure rats to barium provoked a significant increase in kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. Creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in plasma and urine were also modified. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, non protein thiol (NPSH) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased. Metallothionein (MT) production was increased and their genes expressions were up-regulated. All these changes were improved by dietary pomegranate peel. Moreover, the distorted histoarchitecture in kidney of barium group was alleviated by pomegranate peel. CONCLUSION: Our data showed, for the first time, the protective effects of pomegranate peel against barium-induced renal oxidative damage.

Fenthion, an organophosphorus pesticide, induces alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats.

Fenthion (FEN) is an organophosphorus pesticide known for its wide toxic manifestations. In this study, the effects of FEN were evaluated on the cerebrum and cerebellum oxidant/antioxidant status and histopathological disorders in the suckling rats. Pregnant rats were divided into two groups: control group received pure water, while FEN group received daily by their drinking water 551 ppm of FEN from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity was inhibited in both the cerebrum and cerebellum of suckling rats whose mothers were treated with FEN. The cerebrum and cerebellum oxidative damage was demonstrated by a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein product and glutathione (GSH) levels and disturbance in the antioxidant enzyme activities. A significant decline of non-protein thiol and vitamin C levels was also observed. These changes were confirmed by histopathological observations which were marked by pyknotic neurons in the cerebrum and apoptotic cells in the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats. In the cerebellum of FEN-treated rats, the most conspicuous damage was the absence of external granular layer, indicating growth retardation. These data suggested that exposure of pregnant and lactating rats to FEN induced oxidative stress and histopathological disorders in the cerebrum and cerebellum of their pups. Thus, the use of FEN must be under strict control, especially for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Effect of selenium on methimazole-induced liver damage and oxidative stress in adult rats and their offspring.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of selenium (Se) on methimazole (MMI; an antithyroid drug)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats in each group: group I served as controls that received standard diet; group II received MMI in drinking water as 250 mg L(-1) and standard diet; group III received both MMI (250 mg L(-1), orally) and Se (0.5 mg kg(-1) of diet); group IV received Se (0.5 mg kg(-1) of diet) as sodium selenite. Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Exposure of rats to MMI promoted oxidative stress with an increase in liver malondialdehyde levels, advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyl contents and a decrease in the levels of glutathione, nonprotein thiols and vitamin C. A decrease in the activities of liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and lactate dehydrogenase and in the levels of plasma total protein and albumin was also observed. Plasma transaminase activities and total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels increased. Coadministration of Se through diet improved all biochemical parameters. The histopathological changes confirmed the biochemical results. Therefore, our investigation revealed that Se, a trace element with antioxidant properties, was effective in preventing MMI-induced liver damage.

Protective effects of Artemisia campestris upon fenthion-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny.

The purpose of this study was to assess the possible protective effects of Artemisia campestris against fenthion-induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats and their progeny. Fenthion was administered orally at a dose of 551 ppm, which represented » of LD50, for 21 consecutive days to pregnant and lactating rats. Oxidative stress was monitored in the kidney by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx). Fenthion caused a significant induction of oxidative damage in kidney as evidenced by increased MDA levels from 5.32 ± 0.47 nmol/100 mg tissue to 11.72 ± 0.83 nmol/100 mg tissue for pups and from 5.18 ± 0.45 nmol/100 mg tissue to 10.84 ± 1.67 nmol/100 mg tissue for dams (p < 0.001). A significant increase (p < 0.001) in the activities of SOD, CAT and GPx was observed. Co-administration of Artemisia c. at a dose of 5% (w/w) in the diet of fenthion-treated rats showed a significant reno-protection against fenthion-induced cytotoxic effects. It could be concluded that Artemisia c. is promising as a protective agent against nephrotoxicity during the exposure to fenthion.

Toxic effects of chromium (VI) by maternal ingestion on liver function of female rats and their suckling pups.

Potassium dichromate (K(2)Cr(2)O(7)) is an environmental contaminant widely recognized as a carcinogen, mutagen, and teratogen toward humans and animals. This study investigated the effects of K(2)Cr(2)O(7) on the hepatic function of pregnant and lactating rats and their suckling pups. Experiments were carried out on female Wistar rats given 700 ppm of K(2)Cr(2)O(7) in their drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Hepatotoxicity was objectified by the significant increase in liver malondialdehyde content and a significant accumulation of chromium in this soft tissue. Moreover, exposure to K(2)Cr(2)O(7) induced a decrease of glutathione, nonprotein thiols, and vitamin C in the liver of mothers and their suckling pups. Alteration of the antioxidant system in the treated group was confirmed by the significant decline of antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, while liver superoxide dismutase activity increased in mothers and decreased in their offspring. It was found that K(2)Cr(2)O(7) induced liver damages as evidenced by the elevation of plasma aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase activities, and bilirubin levels. Impairment of the hepatic function corresponded histologically. Our investigation revealed hemorrhage, leukocytes infiltration cells, and necrosis, which were more pronounced in the hepatocytes of mothers than in those of their suckling pups.

Artemisia campestris leaf extract alleviates early diabetic nephropathy in rats by inhibiting protein oxidation and nitric oxide end products.

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to free radicals overproduction, which contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy. The present study investigated the effects of Artemisia campestris (Ac), a plant of the Asteraceae family, on renal impairment and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of alloxan (120 mg kg(-1)) in rats. Ac (200 mg kg(-1)) was administered to diabetic rats for 3 weeks. Diabetic renal injury was associated with hyperglycemia, increased serum creatinine, urea and uric acid levels. This nephropathophysiology was associated with a surproduction of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, hyperglycemia increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), in the kidney of diabetic rats. Treatment with Ac effectively ameliorated diabetic renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress. Histological studies also supported the experimental findings. The results suggested that Ac might act as a beneficial agent against renal dysfunctions developed in alloxan-induced diabetes.

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid prevents hyperlipidemia and hepatic oxidant status in pregnant diabetic rats and their macrosomic offspring.

A considerable amount of clinical and experimental evidence now exists and suggests the involvement of fatty acids and free radical-mediated oxidative processes in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Fetuses from diabetic mothers are at increased risk of developing neonatal macrosomia and oxidative stress. We investigated the modulation of antioxidant status and liver biochemical parameters in normal and diabetic pregnant rats and their offspring. Animals were randomly allocated into three groups of six rats each: a control group, a diabetic group and diabetic rats fed with flax and sesame seeds mixture group. The time course of changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status by dietary rich in ω3- and ω6-polyunsaturated fatty acids in alloxan-induced diabetic pregnant rats and their macrosomic offspring was studied. Glucose and insulin levels were also assessed in order to characterize the diabetic state of dams and their offspring. The diabetic rats presented a significant increase in glycemia, plasma and liver lipid parameters compared with those of control group. In addition, liver malonaldialdehyde levels significantly increased. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase and superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione levels significantly decreased in the liver of diabetic rats when compared with controls. Diet supplemented with flax and sesame seeds mixture in pregnant diabetic rats ameliorated lipid parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, level of reduced glutathione and significantly decreased malonaldialdehyde levels. These ameliorations were also observed in pups whose pregnant diabetic mothers were fed seeds mixture. Our results suggested that flax and sesame seeds mixture supplemented to diet of pregnant diabetic rats might be helpful in preventing diabetic complications in adult dams and their offspring.

Centaurium erythrea (Gentianaceae) leaf extract alleviates streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress and ß-cell damage in rat pancreas.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Centaurium erytrea is used in traditional medicine for treat urine retention, abdominal colic and diabetes mellitus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Centaurium erythrea leaf extract (CE) against pancreas ß-cells' damage and antioxidant defense systems in streptozotocin induced diabetes rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg) administered by intraperitoneal way. The oxidative stress was measured by tissue MDA levels, protein carbonyl (PCO) content, reduced glutathione (GSH) content and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in pancreas. Biochemical observations were further substantiated with histological examination of pancreas. RESULTS: The increase in blood glucose and MDA levels with the decrease in GSH content and in enzymatic activities were the salient features observed in diabetic rats. Administration of CE (200mg/kg bw/day, i.p) for 30 days caused a significant reduction in blood glucose and MDA levels in STZ treated rats when compared with diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetic rats treated with CE leaf extract showed a significant increase in the activities of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants when compared to those of diabetic rats. Degenerative changes of pancreatic ß-cells in STZ treated rats were minimized to near normal morphology by administration of CE leaf extract as evidenced by histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Results clearly indicate that Centaurium erythrea treatment exerts a therapeutic protective nature in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and pancreatic ß-cells' damage which may be attributed to its antioxidative potential.

Nephrotoxicity induced by chromium (VI) in adult rats and their progeny.

To assess kidney damages in pregnant and lactating rats and in their suckling pups, Wistar female rats were given, through drinking water, 700 parts per million (ppm) of K(2)Cr(2)O(7) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Toxicity was objectified by a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in kidney of chromium-treated mothers and their suckling pups. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was increased in kidney and decreased in plasma of K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-treated rats. Activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were increased in dams and decreased in their pups. Interestingly, these biochemical modifications were accompanied by higher plasma and lower urinary levels of creatinine, a specific indicator of glomerular function, and of urea than those of controls. Significant increase in creatinine clearance was also found in treated mothers and in their progeny. Histological studies showed an infiltration of mononuclear cells, necrosis and vascular congestion in kidney of pups and dams. Based on the present findings, K(2)Cr(2)O(7) administrated to female rats during late pregnancy and early postnatal periods provoked kidney damages in dams and their offspring.

Effects of selenium on chromium (VI)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats.

Chromium, a major environmental pollutant, is known for its wide toxic manifestations. The present experiment pertains to the protective role of selenium (Se) against K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced hepatotoxicity. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: group I served as controls which received standard diet; group II received in drinking water K(2)Cr(2)O(7) alone (700 ppm); group III received both K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and Se (0.5 Na(2)SeO(3) mg/kg of diet); group IV received Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet) for 3 weeks. Exposure of rats to chromium promoted oxidative stress with an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) levels. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were observed. Se supplementation to the diet of group III improved all the parameters cited above. Yet, plasma transaminases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels increased, while high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased. Co-administration of Se to the diet of group III restored hepatic markers to near-normal values. The biochemical results confirmed the histopathological findings. Therefore, our investigation revealed that Se was effective in preventing K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats.

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture on the kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Animals were allocated into three groups of six rats each: a control group (CD), a diabetic group (DD) and diabetic rats fed with Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture (DMS) group. The DD rats showed a significant increase of glycemia and lipid parameters such as total lipid, total cholesterol and triglycerides levels compared to those of the control group (CD). In addition, plasma and kidney malonaldialdehyde levels (MDA) were significantly increased compared to (CD) group. Antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and non-enzymatic levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) significantly decreased in the plasma and kidney of diabetic rats compared to those of controls. Diet supplemented with Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture ameliorated the antioxidant enzymes activities observed in diabetic rats and significantly decreased MDA levels. Kidney histological sections, showed glomerular hypertrophy and tubular dilatation. In DMS rats, these histopathological changes were less prominent. Our results suggest that Flax and Pumpkin seeds mixture supplemented in diet of diabetic rats may be helpful to prevent diabetes and its complications.

Silymarin, a natural antioxidant, protects cerebral cortex against manganese-induced neurotoxicity in adult rats.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element for biological systems, nevertheless occupational exposure to high levels of Mn can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by serious oxidative and neurotoxic effects with similarities to Parkinson's disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of silymarin (SIL), an antioxidant flavonoid, against manganese chloride induced neurotoxicity both in vivo (cerebral cortex of rats) and in vitro (Neuro2a cells). Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: the first group (C) received vehicle solution (i.p.) served as controls. The second group (Mn) received orally manganese chloride (20 mg/ml). The third group (Mn + SIL) received both Mn and SIL. The fourth group (SIL) received only SIL (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.). Animals exposed to Manganese chloride showed a significant increase in TBARS, NO, AOPP and PCO levels in cerebral cortex. These changes were accompanied by a decrease of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx) and non-enzymatic (GSH, NpSH, Vit C) antioxidants. Co-administration of silymarin to Mn-treated rats significantly improved antioxidant enzyme activities and attenuated oxidative damages observed in brain tissue. The potential effect of SIL to prevent Mn induced neurotoxicity was also reflected by the microscopic study, indicative of its neuroprotective effects. We concluded that silymarin possesses neuroprotective potential, thus validating its use in alleviating manganese-induced neurodegenerative effects.

Mitigating effects of antioxidant properties of Artemisia campestris leaf extract on hyperlipidemia, advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Artemisia campestris is used as antivenom and anti-inflammatory Tunisian folk medicine. Recently, increased oxidative stress was shown to play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its complications. This study was designed to examine the effects of A. campestris leaf aqueous extract (Ac) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats by measuring glycemia, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), activities of both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. Results of our study showed an increase in blood glucose levels, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level and disturbed antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, GPx) in the pancreatic tissue of diabetic rats. Furthermore, MDA, PCO and AOPP were elevated in the pancreas of the diabetic rats. The administration of Ac to diabetic rats at a dose of 200mgkg(-1)bw resulted in a significant reduction in glycemia, TC, TG, LDL-c, pancreas LPO, PCO and AOPP levels, CAT and GPx activities associated with an elevation of GSH content and SOD activity in comparison with diabetic group. We conclude that A. campestris aqueous extract may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic complications.

Protective effects of Selenium (Se) on Chromium (VI) induced nephrotoxicity in adult rats.

Chromium is a toxic metal implicated in human diseases. This study was focused on investigating the possible protective effect of Se against K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Female Wistar rats, used in this study, were divided into four groups of six animals each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received orally only K(2)Cr(2)O(7) (700 ppm equivalent to 67 mg/kgbw); group III received both K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet); group IV received Se (0.5mg Na(2)SeO(3)/kg of diet). The exposure of rats to K(2)Cr(2)O(7) for 21 days provoked renal damages with a significant increase in kidney malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, plasma creatinine, and uric acid levels, while catalase, glutathione peroxidase, non-protein thiol, Metallothionein and plasma urea levels decreased. Coadministration of Se in the diet of chromium-treated group improved malondialdehyde, renal biomarkers levels and antioxidant enzyme activities. Kidney histological studies confirmed biochemical parameters and the beneficial role of selenium.