Protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid and omega-3 fatty acids against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Cyclophosphamide therapy is known to be associated with the risk of female infertility as a result of ovarian toxicity. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) and omega-3 fatty acids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the potential protective effect of alpha-LA, omega-3 fatty acids, and its combination against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were equally divided into Groups I, II, III, IV, and V. Group I was normal control, wherein the rats were fed with normal feed and water ad libitum. Group II served as cyclophosphamide-induced group, wherein the rats were injected with cyclophosphamide at 75 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route once a week to induce ovarian toxicity. Groups III and IV were treated with alpha-LA at the rate of 25 mg/kg and omega-3 fatty acids at the rate of 400 mg/kg, respectively, in parallel to cyclophosphamide induction as in Group II. Group V animals were coadministered with alpha-LA (25 mg/kg) and omega-3 fatty acids (400 mg/kg) along with cyclophosphamide induction as in Group II. The respective treatments were administered daily through oral route for a period of 30 days. Regularity of estrous cycle was evaluated by vaginal cytology. Post-treatment period, the animals were humanely sacrificed, and the blood samples were subjected to the estimation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen. The ovarian tissue was weighed and subjected to histopathology, transmission electron microscopy, estimation of decreased glutathione (GSH), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. RESULTS: Rats treated with cyclophosphamide alone manifested irregularity in estrous cycle, increased FSH, and reduced estrogen levels. The ovaries showed decreased GSH and increased TNF-alpha concentrations. Histopathological and transmission electron microscopic analysis of the ovarian follicles revealed degenerative changes. Administration of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids as well as the combination of both the treatments demonstrated significant normalization of the estrous cycle and antioxidant defense mechanism as well as ameliorated the hormonal profile and histological architecture of the ovarian follicles. However, appreciable synergistic efficacy of the combination therapy (alpha-LA+omega-3 fatty acids) with respect to the monotherapies was not observed in the present study. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity could be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that prevented the oxidative damage to the ovaries caused by cyclophosphamide. Hence, our findings suggest that dietary supplementation of alpha-LA and omega-3 fatty acids in women receiving cyclophosphamide therapy could carry potential benefits in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced infertility in childbearing women.

Protective effect of rutin in comparison to silymarin against induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of rutin (RTN) in comparison to silymarin (SLM) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats (n=24) of 3 months age were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 served as normal control. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the remaining three groups with administration of 500 mg/kg po APAP from day 1-3. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were subsequently administered orally with distilled water, 25 mg/kg of SLM, and 20 mg/kg of RTN, respectively, for 11 days. The mean body weights and biomarkers of hepatotoxicity were estimated on day 0, 4 (confirmation of toxicity), and 15 (at the end of treatment). Hematological parameters were evaluated on day 4 and 15. Antioxidant profile and adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) were assessed at the end of the experiment. Liver tissues were subjected to histopathology and transmission electron microscopy after the sacrifice on day 15. RESULTS: Antioxidant profile, ATPases, and hematological and sero-biochemical parameters were significantly altered, and histopathological changes were noticed in the liver of toxic control group. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4 that were administered with SLM and RTN, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present investigation enunciated that SLM has potent hepatoprotective activity though the RTN was found superior in restoring the pathological alterations in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.

Laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer.

The incidence of esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing especially in developing countries. The major risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle practices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and chewing tobacco to name a few. Diagnosis at an advanced stage and poor prognosis make esophageal cancer one of the most lethal diseases. These factors have urged further research in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Animal models not only aid in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of esophageal cancer but also help in developing therapeutic interventions for the disease. This review throws light on the various recent laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer.

Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of pioglitazone, insulin and synbiotic in diabetic rats.

AIM: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of combination treatment of insulin, pioglitazone and synbiotic on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes mellitus was induced chemically by intraperitoneal administration of STZ (40 mg/kg b.wt) to male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided randomly into six groups of six rats in each. Group 1 was maintained as a normal control. Group 2 was maintained as diabetic control; Group 3 was treated with insulin; Group 4 with insulin + synbiotic; Group 5 with insulin + pioglitazone; and Group 6 with insulin + synbiotic + pioglitazone. All the animals were treated for 60 days. RESULTS: Body weights, and concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH), and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol were significantly (p<0.05) reduced, whereas the concentration of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, protein carbonyls and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances, and the activity of GSH peroxidase were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in Group 2 at the end of 8(th) week as compared to Group 1. The treatment Groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 revealed improvement in all the parameters, and the highest improvement was observed in combination Group 6. CONCLUSION: From this study, it is concluded that combination of insulin, pioglitazone and synbiotic is useful in treating diabetes.

Developmental neurotoxicity of monocrotophos and lead is linked to thyroid disruption.

AIM: A role of thyroid disruption in developmental neurotoxicity of monocrotophos (MCP) and lead is studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 female rats after conception were randomized into four groups of six each and treated as follows: Group I - Sham was administered distilled water orally. Group II - A positive control was administered methyl methimazole at 0.02% orally in drinking water. Group III - MCP orally at 0.3 mg/kg and Group IV - Lead acetate at 0.2% orally in drinking water. The drug was administered from gestation day 3 through post-natal day 21 in all the groups. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, thyroid profile (thyroid stimulating hormone, T3 and T4), neurodevelopment (brain wet weights, DNA, RNA and protein), and neurobehavioral (elevated plus maze, photoactometry, and Morris water maze) parameters were assessed in pups. A histopathology of thyroid of dams and brain of progeny was conducted. RESULTS: Inhibition of AChE was <20%. Thyroid profile decreased in the treatment groups. Neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral parameters did not reveal any significant changes. Thyroid architecture was affected significantly with MCP and lead. Cortical layers too were affected. The three layers of cerebellum either had abnormal arrangement or decreased cellularity in all treated groups relating to thyroid disruption. CONCLUSION: MCP and lead might have affected the development of cerebrum and cerebellum via thyroid disruption leading to developmental neurotoxicity.

Protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 21, a probiotic on trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Inflammatory mediators play a crucial role in ulcerative colitis (UC). The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum 21 (LAB 21) on inflammatory mediators in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. The inflammatory response was assessed by changes in colon morphology, histopathology, and measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) mRNA and protein levels by ELISA. Besides, protein expressions of IL-1ß and IL-10 were also evaluated by western blot. Treatment with LAB 21 (1×10(10)CFU/rat/day) and sulfasalazine (500mgkg(-1) body weight) for 14days after induction of colitis, significantly decreased TBARS, NO and increased GSH concentration. The protein and mRNA expressions of IL-1ß and TNFα were down-regulated, whereas, protein and mRNA expression of IL-10 was up-regulated in LAB 21-treated rats. Moreover, LAB 21 attenuated the macroscopic colonic damage, histopathological changes induced by TNBS. These results suggest that LAB 21 may be effective in the treatment of UC by immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of curcumin and glibenclamide in diabetic rats.

AIM: The aim was to assess the pharmacokinetic (PK) interaction of curcumin and glibenclamide (GL) in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats induced with diabetes were divided into 2 groups of six rats in each. Group I: GL (6 mg/kg po once daily) treatment in diabetic rats and group 2: Curcumin (50 mg/Kg po once daily) + GL (dose as above) in diabetic rats. Blood samples were collected at pre-determined time intervals for kinetic analysis after the first and last oral dosing of GL for single and multiple dose studies, respectively. Plasma samples were assayed for GL concentration by high-performance liquid chromatography and PK parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The half-life (t1/2) and mean residence time (MRT) of GL were significantly increased in curcumin pre-treated rats as compared to GL alone in single and multiple dose studies. Similarly, the Vdss was significantly increased in curcumin pre-treated rats in single dose study as compared to GL alone treated group, but no significant difference was observed in multiple dose kinetics. CONCLUSION: The study revealed higher values (t1/2, MRT and Vdss) of GL in curcumin pre-treated group due to the inhibitory effect of curcumin on intestinal CYP3A4.

Pharmacodynamic interaction of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride on sero-biochemical parameters in diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

AIM: This study was undertaken to assess the pharmacodynamic interaction of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride on sero-biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats, randomly divided into seven Groups. Group 1: Non-diabetic control; Group 2: Streptozotocin induced diabetic control; Groups 3, 4 and 5 were treated with insulin, glimepiride and fenugreek seed powder, respectively; Groups 6 and 7: Insulin + fenugreek seed powder treatment and glimepiride + fenugreek seed powder treatment respectively, in diabetic rats. Body weights, blood glucose, lipids total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and proteins (total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratios) were studied at different time intervals. Rats were sacrified at the end of 8 weeks, pancreas and aorta collected for histopathological study. RESULTS: The results of Group 2 showed significantly (p<0.05) higher concentration of glucose, TC, TG, LDL, globulin, A/G ratios and significantly (p<0.05) lower concentration of albumin, total protein, HDL and body weights when compared to Group 1 at the end of 4(th) and 8(th) weeks intervals with marked alteration in histopathology of pancreas and aorta. All the treatment Groups 3-7 showed significantly (p<0.05) improvement in the all the parameters and the Groups 6 and 7 showed highest decrease in the concentration blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL and increase in the albumin, total protein and body weights during 6(th) and 8(th) week, respectively. CONCLUSION: The treatment with fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride countered the alteration in the sero biochemical parameters in diabetic rats, and their combination was found a positive interaction in improving the sero biochemical status of diabetic rats.

Evaluation of the protective role of vitamin C in imidacloprid-induced hepatotoxicity in male Albino rats.

In the present study, the effects of oral administration of imidacloprid for 4 weeks on serum biochemical, oxidative stress, histopathological and ultrastructural alterations were assessed in the liver of male rats. This study also aimed to investigate whether vitamin C could protect against the imidacloprid-induced oxidative stress. Forty-eight male Sprague dawley rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals each. Group 1 served as the control, while groups 2 and 4 were administered with imidacloprid (80 mg/kg body weight) daily by oral gavage for 28 days. In addition to imidacloprid, group 4 also received vitamin C at 10 mg/kg daily by oral gavage for 28 days. Group 3 was maintained as the vitamin C control (dose as above). The serum biochemical assays revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase and decrease in total protein in group 2. The tissue biochemical profile revealed a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in reduced glutathione concentration in the liver of group 2 animals. Histologically, the liver showed marked dilation, congestion of central vein, portal vein and sinusoidal spaces, vacuolation/fatty change and degenerated hepatocytes. Ultra thin sections of the liver revealed swollen nuclei, varied size and shape of mitochondria, disrupted chromatin and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Co-treatment with vitamin C significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the imidacloprid-induced changes.

Evaluation of protective action of α-tocopherol in chromium-induced oxidative stress in female reproductive system of rats.

The present study was aimed to investigate whether α-tocopherol could protect the chromium (Cr) VI-induced oxidative stress in female reproductive system of rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms of the same. A total of 24 Wistar adult female rats were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control, while groups 2 and 3 were administered K2Cr2O7 (10 mg/kg b.wt. s.c. single dose). In addition to Cr, group 3 also received α-tocopherol @ 125 mg/kg daily by oral gavage for 14 days. Group 4 was maintained as α-tocopherol control (dose as above). Body weights were recorded at the beginning and at the end of experiment. Further, the rats were observed for occurrence of estrus cycle. At the end of 14 days, blood samples were drawn for sero-biochemical analysis. Subsequently, all the rats were sacrificed to collect uterus along with ovaries for assay of tissue peroxidation, anti-oxidant and functional markers, and histopathology. Administration of chromium (Cr) VI to rats revealed a significant (P < 0.05) accumulation of cholesterol and a prolonged diestrus phase leading to impaired fertility in rats. Administration of chromium (Cr) VI significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), along with significant (P < 0.05) increase in peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls in ovaries. The functional marker in serum such as total protein was decreased, whereas other functional markers viz alanine transaminase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were increased. Prominent pathological changes were observed in the uterus and ovaries of Cr-treated group. Co-treatment with α-tocopherol significantly (P < 0.05) reversed the (Cr) VI induced changes.

Evaluation of protective action of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride and their combination in diabetic Sprague Dawley rats.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride alone and their combination in diabetic rat liver. Fifty six male Sprague dawley rats of uniform age were randomly divided into seven groups. Group 1: Non-diabetic control; Group 2: Streptozotocin (40 mg/Kg i/p single dose)-induced diabetic control; Group 3: Insulin (4 U/kg once daily for 8 weeks) treatment in diabetic rats; Group 4: Glimepiride (4 mg/Kg orally once daily for 8 weeks) treatment in diabetic rats; Group 5: Fenugreek seed powder treatment (1 g/kg orally once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats; Group 6: Insulin + Fenugreek seed powder treatment (once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats; Group 7: Glimepiride + Fenugreek seed powder treatment (once daily for 8 weeks) in diabetic rats. Livers were collected at the end of experiment for histopathology and estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls, glutathione S-transferase (GST), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and Mg(2)+ ATPase, cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glycogen. There was an increase in the concentration of TBARS and protein carbonyls, and decrease in the concentration of GSH and glycogen, and the activity of GST, G6PD, Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and Mg(2)+ ATPase in diabetic livers, while treatment groups showed significant (P < 0.05) increase in the above parameters. The histology of liver revealed marked changes in diabetic rats and mild changes in combination treatment groups. The treatment with fenugreek, insulin and glimepiride improved the liver parameters in diabetic rats and their combination showed a beneficial effect on liver.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of garlic and atorvastatin in dyslipidemic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess pharmacokinetic interaction of garlic with atorvastatin in dyslipidemic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague Dawley rats with induced dyslipidemia were divided into five groups of eight rats each. Group 1 was given atorvastatin (10 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) orally), group 2 was given atorvastatin (10 mg/kg b.wt orally)+garlic (1% w/w in feed), group 3 was maintained on atorvastatin (5 mg/kg b.wt orally)+garlic (0.5% w/w in feed), group 4 was maintained on atorvastatin (7.5 mg/kg b.wt orally)+garlic (0.25% w/w in feed), and group 5 was maintained on atorvastatin (2.5 mg/kg b.wt orally)+garlic (0.75% w/w in feed) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected at predetermined time intervals for kinetic analysis after the first and last oral dosing of atorvastatin for single and multiple dose studies, respectively. Plasma samples were assayed for atorvastatin concentration by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and then the concentration-time data were analyzed. RESULTS: Maximum observed plasma concentration (C(max)), half-life, Area Under Plasma Concentration Time Curve (AUC), and Mean Resident Time (MRT) were significantly (P<0.05) increased during multiple dose kinetic study and elimination rate constant was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in comparison with their respective single-dose values, while there was no significant difference in time to achieve maximum concentration (t(max)) in all groups during both phases of the study. The highest values for kinetic parameters were observed in group 2 with correspondingly low activity of Cytochrome P(450) (CYP(450)). CONCLUSION: The study revealed higher values [C(max), AUC, Area Under The Moment Curve (AUMC), MRT, and half-life] of atorvastatin in garlic-treated groups.

A study on the toxic effects of Doxorubicin on the histology of certain organs.

In the present study, effect of doxorubicin at 2 mg/kg b.wt. (i/p), alone, once in a wk for 4 wks and in combination with vitamin E at 250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt., orally, daily for 4 wks was evaluated on histological alterations, if any, on heart, liver, kidney, and testes of rats. Doxorubicin alone treated group showed marked congestion and degenerative changes in heart, kidney, liver, and testis. Treatment with vitamin E showed marked improvement in all the degenerative changes, though more protection was observed with the dose of 500 mg/kg.

Prevention of cadmium bioaccumulation by herbal adaptogens.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of various herbal adaptogens such as shade-dried powders of Withania somnifera, Ocimum sanctum, Asperagus recemosus, Andrographis paniculata, Asphaltum panjabinum (Shilajith), Gymnema sylvestre, Spirulina platensis, and Panex ginseng on cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress and its accumulation in broiler chicken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 male broiler chicks of day old age were randomly assigned to 10 equal groups. Group 1 birds were fed with basal diet throughout the experiment (1-42 days). Group 2-10 chicks were fed with basal diet containing cadmium at 100 ppm from day 1 to day 28 (4 weeks). From 29(th) to 42(nd) day (2 weeks), basal diet alone was fed to group 2 chicks which acted as toxic control and group 3-10 birds were fed with feed containing 0.1% powder of W. somnifera, O. sanctum, Aspe. recemosus, An. paniculata, Asph. panjabinum (Shilajith), G. sylvestre, S. platensis, and P. ginseng, respectively. Body weight gain, levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation markers such as thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), liver functional markers such as serum alanine transaminase (ALT), kidney functional markers such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine and concentration of cadmium in liver and kidney were investigated. RESULTS: Body weight gains were significantly decreased in birds of groups 2-10 compared to group 1 at the end of 4(th) week. Supplementation of various medicinal herbs in feed after 4(th) week significantly improved the body weight gain compared to that in group 2 chicks. The increase in TBARS and decrease in GSH concentrations of liver and kidney tissues in cadmium intoxicated birds were significantly reversed by the above-said herbs. The liver and kidney functional markers were also restored to normal levels. Highest concentration of cadmium was found accumulated in kidney, followed by liver in birds of group 2. Herbal supplementation in groups 3-10 prevented Cd bioaccumulation which was most evident in liver, followed by kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of herbal adaptogens at the rate of 0.1% in feed significantly prevented the bioaccumulation of Cd and reversed the Cd-induced oxidative tissue damage.

Effect of Dietary Vanaspati Alone and in Combination with Stressors on Sero-biochemical Profile and Immunity in White Leghorn Layers.

A total of 160 White Leghorns of 20 wk age were divided randomly into eight groups. Groups 1, 3, 4 and 5 were fed basal feed and the rest were fed 5% vanaspati supplemented feed until 42 wk of age. From 42 to 54 wk, groups 3, 4 and 5 were fed 1% ferrous sulfate, 100 ppm chlorpyrifos (CPS) and 100 ppm cadmium, respectively, along with basal feed and groups 6, 7 and 8 were fed similar stressors, respectively, along with 5% vanaspati. Groups 1 and 2 served as controls for basal feed and 5% vanaspati feed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total cholesterol, high density cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, creatinine, hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer, and phytohemagglutination (PHA) index were studied. Supplementation of vanaspati resulted in a significant reduction in PHA, cholesterol, albumin and HI titer. Cadmium significantly increased ALP, AST, creatinine and paradoxically increased HDL cholesterol and HI titers. Vanaspati along with cadmium showed similar effects. Administration of CPS lowered PHA index, whereas supplementation along with vanaspati decreased the HI titers and increased the PHA index. Supplementation of vanaspati alone and in combination revealed harmful effects and aggravated the toxicities of CPS and cadmium. Hence, it is concluded that consumption of vanaspati could be harmful.

A Study of Certain Herbs Against Chlorpyrifos-induced Changes in Lipid and Protein Profile in Poultry.

A total of 225 male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of day-old age were procured for the study. The chicks were randomly divided into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained as basal diet control and group 2 on chlorpyrifos (CPS) at 100 ppm in feed throughout 6 wk as iron toxic control without any treatment. Groups 3-15 were maintained on CPS at 100 ppm in feed for the 4 wk (28 days) of study and thereafter administered with different herbs and their combinations for remaining 2 wk. The blood samples were drawn from wing vein on 28(th) day and 42(nd) day from the birds in each group for the estimation of lipid and protein profiles. The birds were sacrificed at the end of 6(th) week and liver tissues were collected for histological examination. The concentrations of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin and globulins and the A/G ratio were increased significantly (P<;0.05) in toxic groups (2-15), while high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly (P<;0.05) decreased at the end of 4(th) week. However, following supplementation of herbs and herbal combinations, the values of lipid and protein profile in groups 3-15 revived toward normal at the end of 6(th) week. Histopathology of liver in CPS toxic control (group 2) revealed areas of degeneration, while groups 3-15 that were treated with herbs and their combinations exhibited these changes in a milder form, indicating regenerative alterations. The study revealed that chorpyrifos-induced changes in lipid and protein profile were improved by supplementation of certain herbs.

Effect of cadmium on organ biomarkers and evaluation of certain adaptogens in broilers.

Day-old male broiler chicks were randomly divided into 8 groups consisting of 10 chicks in each. Groups 1 and 2 were maintained as plain control and cadmium (100 ppm in feed) toxic control, respectively, for 6 weeks. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were maintained on a combination of cadmium along with Emblica officinalis (500 ppm in feed), vitamin E (300 ppm in feed) and polyherbal formulation (1 g/kg feed), respectively, for 6 weeks. Groups 6, 7 and 8 were maintained on cadmium for the first 4 weeks and on E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation, respectively, during the subsequent 2 weeks without cadmium. The biochemical parameters such as alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in toxic control. These parameters revealed improvement following treatment with E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation in groups 6, 7 and 8, respectively. Thus, it is concluded that supplementation of E. officinalis, vitamin E and polyherbal formulation in feed is useful in preventing and treating the cadmium-induced toxic effects.

Evaluation of Iron-induced Oxidative Stress and its Amelioration by Certain Herbs in Broilers.

A total of 225 male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of day-old age were randomly divided into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group. Group 1 was maintained as basal diet control and group 2 on ferrous sulfate at 0.5% in feed throughout 6 wk as iron toxic control without any treatment. Groups 3-15 were maintained on FeSO(4) at 0.5% in feed for the 4 wk (28 days) of study and thereafter administered with different herbs and their combinations for the remaining 2 wk. The blood samples were drawn from wing vein at the end of 4(th) and 6(th) weeks from the birds in each group for the assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Sera samples were separated from the blood for the estimation of alanine transaminase (ALT) and serum creatinine. The birds were sacrificed at the end of 6(th) wk and tissues were collected for the assay of reduced glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and kidney homogenates. The activities of SOD, catalase and ALT, and the concentration of TBARS and serum creatinine were increased significantly (P<0.05), while the concentration of tissue GSH was decreased significantly (P<0.05) in all the groups as compared to basal diet control and the values showed significant improvement in groups 3-15 that were treated during the last 2 weeks. It is concluded that iron induces toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species, and antioxidant herbs are useful in treating the iron-induced toxicity.

Evaluation of Herbal Methionine and Mangifera Indica Against Lead-induced Organ Toxicity in Broilers.

Lead toxicity was studied in male broiler chicks (Cobb strain) of a day-old age. The chicks were randomly divided into six groups consisting of 15 in each group. Group 1 was maintained as basal diet control and group 2 was kept on lead at 300 ppm in feed throughout 5 wk as toxic control without any treatment. Groups 3 and 4 were maintained on herbal methionine at 1.4 g/kg feed + Mangifera Indica at 0.1% in feed, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were treated with lead + herbal methionine and lead + M. indica, respectively, for the 5 wk. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in liver and kidney revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase, while there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver and kidney, and hepatocytic membrane ATPases and cytochrome P(450) (CYP(450)) in liver in the lead toxic control group. Treatment with herbal remedies in groups 5 and 6 resulted in a marked improvement in all the above parameters as compared to those of lead toxic control. Thus, it is concluded that lead induces biological damage by means of oxidative stress and the herbs in test offered better amelioration. The beneficial effects of herbal methionine and Ma. indica may be attributed to their antioxidant, anti-stress and hepatoprotective principles.

Lead-induced Hepatotoxicity and Evaluation of Certain Anti-stress Adaptogens in Poultry.

A total of 225 day-old sexed male broiler chicks (Vencobb strain) were divided randomly into 15 groups consisting of 15 chicks in each group to study the toxicity of lead on hepatocytes. Group 1 was maintained on basal diet, group 2 on polyherbal formulation (PHF; stressroak), group 3 on shilajith, group 4 on amla and group 5 on vit E + Se. Group 6 was maintained on lead for 6 weeks and group 7 on lead for 4 weeks and subsequently on basal diet without lead for the remaining 2 weeks. Groups 8, 9, 10 and 11 were given lead along with PHF, shilajith, amla and vit E + Se, respectively, throughout 6 weeks. Groups 12, 13, 14 and 15 were given lead containing diet for the first 4 weeks and subsequently treated with PHF, shilajith, amla and vit E + Se, respectively, for the remaining 2 weeks. The activity of alanine transaminase (ALT) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in the toxic control groups at the end of 4(th) week as compared to group 1. However, following treatment, there was a significant (P<0.05) reversal in groups 12-15. The activity of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)ATPase, Mg(2+)ATPase and CYP(450) was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in the liver of toxic control groups 6 and 7 as compared to groups1 through 5, which had the maximum activity of all the groups. Groups 8 through 15 revealed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activity of these hepatocytic enzymes. The histological sections of the liver in lead toxic control (group 6) showed moderate focal lymphoid aggregates in liver, whereas the lesions were mild to moderate in treated groups and there were no observable lesions in plain control groups. The study revealed protective effect of PHF (stressroak), shilajith, amla and vit E + Se in lead-induced hepatocytic damage.