Modulatory potential of Bacopa monnieri against aflatoxin B1 induced biochemical, molecular and histological alterations in rats.

Oxidative injury is concerned with the pathogenesis of several liver injuries, including those from acute liver failure to cirrhosis. This study was designed to explore the antioxidant activity of Bacopa monnieri (BM) on Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) induced oxidative damage in Wistar albino rats. Aflatoxin B1 treatment (200 µg/kg/day, p.o.) for 28 days induced oxidative injury by a significant alteration in serum liver function test marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, albumin and bilirubin), inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) along with reduction of antioxidant enzymes (GSH, SOD, CAT), GSH cycle enzymes and drug-metabolizing enzymes (AH and AND). Treatment of rats with B. monnieri (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg for 5 days, p.o.) after 28 days of AFB1 intoxication significantly restored these parameters near control in a dose-dependent way. Histopathological examination disclosed extensive hepatic injuries, characterized by cellular necrosis, infiltration, congestion and sinusoidal dilatation in the AFB1-treated group. Treatment with B. monnieri significantly reduced these toxic effects resulting from AFB1. B. monnieriper se group (40 mg/kg) did not show any significant change and proved safe. The cytotoxic activity of B. monnieri was also evaluated on HepG2 cells and showed a good percentage of cytotoxic activity. This finding suggests that B. monnieri protects the liver against oxidative damage caused by AFB1, which aids in the evaluation of the traditional usage of this medicinal plant.

Phytochemical profiling and nephroprotective potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia against cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in rat model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kidney problems are becoming more common globally and are considered a major health issue in the modern world with high mortality rate. Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites is a tropical ethnomedicinal plant used to treat various diseases like diabetes, hypertension and urinary disorders and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of 70% ethanolic leaf extract of Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites (PL) and evaluates its nephroprotective effects against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves of PL were extracted with 70% ethanol and performed the phytochemical profiling using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The nephroprotective effect of PL leaf extract was evaluated at three doses (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days against cisplatin toxicity (16 mg/kg, i.p., once) in male Wistar rats. Body and kidney weight indices, kidney function markers and lipid profile markers in serum, and oxidative stress markers in kidney tissue were performed along with the histopathological analysis of kidney. RESULTS: The LC-MS chromatograph confirmed the presence of various phytocompounds include N-Methylhernagine (aporphine alkaloid), 4-Acetamidobutanoic acid (gamma amino acid) and choline, etc. in the PL leaf extract. Exposure of cisplatin (16 mg/kg, i.p., once only) to the animals significantly elevated the levels of kidney functional markers (i.e. serum urea, uric acid, creatinine) and the lipid markers (triglyceride and total cholesterol) in blood circulation with depletion of serum albumin which were reversed by the therapy of PL leaf extract (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg) in dose-dependent manner. The altered level of body and kidney weight in cisplatin treated group was also restored by the therapy. PL leaf extract effectively improved the antioxidant defense system of kidney at all doses by restoring the levels of tissue glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase with the dose-dependent reduction of lipid peroxidation against cisplatin-induced renal oxidative stress. The histopathological observations also showed the significant recovery in cellular morphology after PL treatment when compared to the cisplatin toxicity group. The highest dose 600 mg/kg of PL leaf extract showed more pronounced renal recovery (p < 0.001) followed by other two doses, which was similar to the silymarin treatment group (a reference drug) against nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed the nephroprotective effects of PL leaves against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by reversing the level of biochemical markers and mitigating oxidative stress as well as improving the architecture of renal tissues. This renal protection by PL might be due to the synergistic effect of its phytoconstituents and antioxidant efficacy.

Quercetin ameliorates acute acrylamide induced spleen injury.

Acrylamide is used for industrial and laboratory purposes; it also is produced during cooking of carbohydrate-rich food at high temperature. We investigated the therapeutic potential of quercetin for treatment of acute acrylamide induced injury to the spleen. We used female albino rats treated with acrylamide for 10 days followed by oral administration of quercetin in three doses for 5 days. We observed significantly reduced total body weight, spleen weight, red blood cells, total proteins, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phophate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione, concentration of serum IgG and IgM after acrylamide induced toxicity compared to controls. We also found that white blood cells, triglycerides, cholesterol and lipid oxidation were increased significantly after acrylamide induced toxicity in rats compared to controls. Histoarchitecture of spleen was affected adversely by acrylamide toxicity. Administration of quercetin ameliorated adverse effects of acrylamide in a dose-dependent manner. Quercetin appears to ameliorate acrylamide induced injury to the spleen by increasing endogenous antioxidants and improving histoarchitecture and immune function.

Oncofertility: Treatment options from bench to bedside.

In recent years, there has been continuous improvement in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, which has led to a significant improvement in the survival rate of cancer patients. Treatments that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or combined therapy have several side effects that may lead to premature ovarian insufficiency in females or substantial male germ cell loss. Reproductive biologists recommend that all patients who are diagnosed with a malignant tumor must undergo a consultation for fertility protection and preservation. In this review, we discuss the background knowledge, methods, and options for fertility preservation and how these new strategies help oncologists, surgeons, pediatricians, and hematologists, conserve fertility and be aware of the concepts, methods, and importance of fertility guards. This review may aid in the advancement of novel personalized methods for fertility preservation according to patients' conditions.

Ameliorative impact of herbal formulation -Majoon-Dabeed-ul-ward and Sharbat-e-Deenar against CCl4 induced liver toxicity via regulation of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress.

Polyherbal Unani formulations have been used in the treatment of liver diseases for a long time. (Ibrahim M, Khaja MN, Aara A, Khan AA, Habeeb MA, Devi YP, Narasu ML, Habibullah CM. Hepatoprotective activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Rheum emodi extracts: in vitro and in vivo studies. World J Gastroenterol. 2008:14:2566-2571.) The aim of the present study was to investigate comparative hepatoprotective potential of Majoon-e-Dabeed-ul-ward (MD) and Sharbat-e-Deenar (SD) against CCl4 induced subchronic hepatic toxicity. In vivo study, albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group I was control; Group II was experimental control treated with CCl4 (0.15 mL/kg, i.p. for 21 days); Groups III-IV treated with SD (2 mL/kg, p.o.) and MD (1,000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 5 days following CCl4 intoxication as in group 2 respectively; and Group V was positive control treated with silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.). In vitro hepatoprotective activity of SD and MD (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) was assessed by SRB assay and flow cytometry analysis. CCl4 exposure significantly elevated the release of hepatic enzymes i.e. AST, ALT, LDH, and SALP in serum and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue which all these parameters were reversed after SD and MD administration. Therapy for 5 days also normalized the levels of antioxidant enzymes i.e. catalase, SOD, GPx, GR, tissue GSH, and aniline hydroxylase in CCl4 treated group. DNA damage and histological alterations caused by CCl4 were restored towards normal group. In vitro study showed protective effect of SD and MD against CCl4 treated HepG2 cell lines and rat hepatocytes. The results suggested that MD has a significant hepatoprotective potential and regulatory effect on oxidative stress than SD against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity, and that this effect may be related to its antioxidant activity.

Evidences of the radiofrequency exposure on the antioxidant status, potentially contributing to the inflammatory response and demyelination in rat brain.

Present study exhibited the oxidative potential of microwave radiation (MWR) leading to the neurodegeneration in rats. Wistar rats were exposed at 2100 MHz frequency for 4 h/day, 5 days/week/3 months. Animals were exposed at an estimated specific absorption rate (0.453 W/kg) and power density (8.237 µW/m2). After exposure irradiated group was compared with control group. Results indicated that microwave exposure significantly increased the levels of serological triglycerides and cholesterol. Oxidative stress is observed through alteration of glutathione homeostasis followed by activated inflammatory response further confirmed by pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the exposed group. Histopathological assessments and electron microscopic observation confirmed a significant change in the myelination pattern and cellular organelles in the brain of exposed animals. Taking everything into account it can be concluded that chronic exposure of 2100-MHz frequency caused oxidative stress, which leads to neural damage and demyelination and may affect neural communication.

Defensive role of Nigella sativa against antituberculosis drugs induced renal toxicity.

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a common problem in clinical medicine and the frequency of drug-related acute and chronic kidney dysfunction worldwide. One of them is anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs that cause renal function impairment during TB treatment. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds that are capable for treating drug or toxin-induced renal disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (NS) against anti-TB drugs (ATDs) induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Rats were treated with ATDs for 12weeks (3 alternative days in a week). Supplementation with 125mg NS/kg, p.o. was administered to the experimental rats for 12weeks (3 alternative days in a week considering next day of ATDs treatment). The results demonstrated that NS treatment protected against renal damage induced by ATDs, as evidenced by the reduction in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, urea nitrogen levels, pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), whereas improvement in histological tubular and glomerular damage. In addition, NS enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and decreased the lipid peroxidation and glutathione level in the kidney. In conclusion, NS could reduce chronic nephritis in ATDs treated group through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. It suggests that NS can be used as supplementary preventive and protective drug against kidney injury during anti-TB treatment.

Protective efficacy of rutin against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress, biochemical alterations and histopathological lesions in rats.

Acrylamide is a well-known neurotoxicant and carcinogen. Apart from industrial exposure, acrylamide is also found in different food products. The present study deals with in vivo experiment to test the protective effect of rutin against acrylamide induced toxicity in rats. The study was carried out on female rats with exposure of acrylamide at the dose of 38.27 mg/kg body weight, orally for 10 days followed by the therapy of rutin (05, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg orally), for three consecutive days. All animals were sacrificed after 24 h of last treatment and various biochemical parameters in blood and tissue were investigated. Histopathology of liver, kidney and brain was also done. On administration of acrylamide for 10 days, neurotoxicity was observed in terms of decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress was observed in terms of increased lipid peroxidation, declined level of reduced glutathione, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in liver, kidney and brain. Acrylamide exposure increased the activities of serum transaminases, lipid profile, bilirubin, urea, uric acid and creatinine in serum indicating damage. Our experimental results conclude that rutin showed remarkable protection against oxidative DNA damage induced by acrylamide, which may be due to its antioxidant potential.

Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles for treatment of N-Nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatotoxicity.

The development of bioengineered nanoparticles has attracted considerable universal attention in the field of medical science and disease treatment. Current studies were executed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Their characterization was performed by UV-Visible analysis, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Zeta analyses. In in vivo studies, albino rats (180 ± 10 g) were persuaded with model hepatic toxicant N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and subsequently cotreated with Morus multicaulis at 100 mg/kg and AgNPs at 100 µg/kg dose. NDEA administration elevates the levels of liver function test biomarkers, which were reinstated to normal by cotreatment of test drugs. The oxidative stress and concentration of drug-metabolizing enzyme increase after induction of toxicant (NDEA), these markers are restored toward normal after cotreatment of nano-drug. Treatments of M. multicaulis extract did not show such significant protection. The NDEA-treated groups showed a significant rise in the level of cytokines (interleukin [IL-6] and IL-10) and reached normal with subsequent treatment with AgNPs. Histopathological studies also exhibited the curative effect of AgNPs in the same manner. Thus current results strongly suggest that biomimetic AgNPs could be used as an effective drug against hepatic alteration.

Oxidative damage in the liver and brain of the rats exposed to frequency-dependent radiofrequency electromagnetic exposure: biochemical and histopathological evidence.

The study aimed to discover a link between the liver and brain's functional status due to frequency dependent-radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Forty Wistar rats were randomly classified as control (sham-exposed) and EMR exposed groups. Animals were exposed to 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz with the specific absorption rate (SAR) 0.434 (W/Kg), 0.433 (W/Kg), and 0.453 (W/Kg) respectively. Animal exposure was limited at 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 1 month with a restricted power density (900 MHz- 11.638 µW/m2, 1800- 11.438 µW/m2 and 2100 MHz frequency- 8.237 µW/m2). Exposure at various frequencies showed a frequency-dependent change in the body weight and hematologic parameters (RBCs, WBCs, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit) as compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.01) (p ≤ 0.001). A significant elevation in serum transaminases and bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and creatinine was noted, whereas albumin significantly decreased after EMR exposure (p ≤ 0.01) (p ≤ 0.001). The blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, triglycerides, and cholesterol were elevated while adenosine triphosphatases, acetylcholinesterase, and tissue antioxidants such as glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione Peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases were decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.001). Histopathological observations of the liver showed centrilobular mononuclear cell infiltration and swelling in sinusoidal spaces, while in the brain degenerated pyramidal and Purkinje neurons were seen. Furthermore, Substantial evidence was found that the brain is more susceptible to oxidative mutilation compare to the liver of exposed animals. In conclusion, RF-EMR exposure showed oxidative damage to the liver, increasing the incidence of brain damage in a frequency-dependent manner.HighlightsEMR exposure showed frequency-dependent toxicity.Alterations in blood profile and modifications in the serological markers.Increasing lipid peroxidation indicating membrane damage.Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity affecting cholinergic neurotransmission.EMR exposure resulted in the loss of cellular energy and production of excess amounts of ROS thereby altering several antioxidant enzymes.Histopathological evidence of severe degenerative changes in the liver and brain.

Exposure of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation on Biochemical and Pathological Alterations.

INTRODUCTION: In the era of globalization, too much dependency on mobile phones is a cause of concern. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the risk assessment of microwave radiation (MWR) at 1800 MHz frequency and specific absorption rate 0.433 (W/kg) on male Wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: Animals were divided into two groups: the first group is the control group, and the second group was exposed to 1800 MHz radiation for 90 days at 4 h/5 days/week in a month. RESULTS: Chronic exposure of MWR may alter GSH homeostasis due to alteration in various GSH cycle regulating enzymes such as GR, GPx, GST, and G6PDH which showed an imbalance in GSH content and causes an increase in the oxidative stress and release of inflammatory cytokines. A remarkable increase in the DNA damage was seen due to disorganization and pyknosis of neurons in exposed animal's brain when compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). There was also a significant decline in AChE level. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that MWR may cause neurochemical and pathophysiological damage by initiating the inflammatory process in various brain regions, especially in hippocampus and cerebral cortex. These effects are further associated with a remarkable elevation in the genotoxicity of neurons with reference to the control group.

Acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity: preventive effect of silver nanoparticles.

Present study was planned to investigate the ameliorative effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that therapy of AgNPs at three different doses (50, 100 and 150 µg/kg once only) prevented the acetaminophen (2 g/kg once only) induced acute renal toxicity. AgNPs treated animals also show less intensity in the histological alterations in kidneys and corroborating the results of analysis of serum urea and creatinine. In addition, AgNPs therapy prevented the acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress, which was confirmed by the alleviated lipid peroxidation, enhanced renal reduced glutathione content and restored enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and adenosine triphosphatase in kidney. Thus, our results demonstrate a possible protective potential of AgNPs on renal toxicity induced by acetaminophen. This study will definitely lead to the development of therapeutic drug against nephrotoxicity, after further clinical and preclinical studies.

Mobile phone induced cognitive and neurochemical consequences.

With the rapid advances in technology, extensive use of mobile phones has increased the risk of health problems. This study was performed to find out the effect of mobile phone frequency on male Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two groups (n = 6 in each group). Group one was considered as control and group two (experimental group) was exposed to microwave radiation (2100 MHz) for 4 hours/day (5 days/week) for 3 months. Exposure of microwave radiation frequency showed significant alterations in cholinesterase activity, muscular strength, learning ability and anxiety. MWR exposure was also associated with significant alteration in the oxidative defense system and hippocampus degeneration. Histopathological observations clearly depicted the neural degeneration. Thus, it can be concluded that MWR significantly affects the central nervous system and may lead to many severe illnesses. This study may reveal a platform to understand its toxic effect and can further be used for amendment in current guidelines of mobile radiation.

Phytofabrication of Silver nanoparticles: Novel Drug to overcome hepatocellular ailments.

This study aimed to treat hepatocellular ailments with biologically prepared silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). AgNPs were formulated using Morus alba leaf extract and their synthesis and characterization were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Zeta analysis. In vitro studies on HepG2 cell lines for cytotoxic effect and in vivo studies in a rat model for hepatoprotective effect were carried out using biologically prepared AgNPs as curing agents. Dose response cytotoxicity on hepatic cancer (HepG2) cells was confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were found to be 20 µg/mL and 80 µg/mL for AgNPs and M. alba leaf extract respectively against HepG2 cells at 24 h incubation. In addition, hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats (180 ±â€¯10 g) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and were treated with different doses of AgNPs (25, 50, 100 µg/kg). NDEA administration showed a significant rise in the biochemical parameters whereas the levels of enzymic antioxidants were decreased. Obtained results revealed that the elevated levels of Liver Function Test (LFTs) biomarkers were significantly reversed and the antioxidant levels were significantly recouped towards normal after the conjoint treatment of AgNPs in a dose-dependent manner. Thus green synthesized AgNPs showed a promising curing effect on hepatocellular ailments.

Silver nanoparticles protect acetaminophen induced acute hepatotoxicity: A biochemical and histopathological approach.

The present study was premeditated to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Rats were treated with three different doses of AgNPs (50, 100 and 150 µg/kg, p.o.) after Acetaminophen (APAP; 2 g/kg, p.o. once only) intoxication. Treatment with AgNPs recouped the levels of serum aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol in dose dependent manner. Significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and restoration of reduced glutathione (GSH) was found in liver in AgNPs treated animals. Alleviated activities of adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), glucose-6- phosphatase (G6Pase) and antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) due to APAP induced toxicity in liver were recovered by the treatment of AgNPs. Improvement in histoarchitecture of liver was also consistent with biochemical observations. The results revealed that AgNPs showed significant dose-dependent protection against APAP induced hepatocellular injury.

Botanical and Chemical Fingerprinting of Medicinal Roots of Justicia gendarussa Burm f.

BACKGROUND: Justicia gendarussa Burm f. of family Acanthaceae is medicinally important herb used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders, asthma, hepatic injuries, pathogenic infection and also shows antiproliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pharmacognostical evaluation (macro-microscopy, physicochemical analysis and preliminary phytochemical analysis), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting and chemical profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) of dried roots of J. gendarussa were done according to quality standard procedures. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis revealed the compact arrangement of cells in cork region and thin-walled cortex beneath epidermis. Parenchymatous cells with xylem vessel were observed in the roots of J. gendarussa. Physicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.474%), total ash (2.990%), acid-insoluble ash (0.099%), water-soluble ash (1.528%), alcohol-soluble extractive value (0.564%) and water-soluble extractive value (4.11%) of the raw drug. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa showed the presence of alkaloid, steroid, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, saponin and quinone. Rf, color of the spots and densitometric scan were recorded by HPTLC fingerprinting using toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5.0:4.0:1.0). On photodocumentation, six spots were visualized under 254 nm, nine spots under 360 nm and six spots at 620 nm. Identification of components in ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa was done by GC-MS. GC-MS results in the presence of oleic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trein-17-ß-ol in ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa. CONCLUSION: These specific identities will be useful in identification and authentication of the raw drug in dried form. SUMMARY: Transverse section and powder of dried roots of Justicia gendarussa were examined microscopically. Microscopic observations showed the presence of well-developed cork and cortex. Presence of xylem vessels and parenchymatic rays were observed in transverse section. Parenchymatous cell and sclereids with vessel elements were found in powder microscopyPhysicochemical studies revealed loss on drying (10.474%), total ash (2.990%), acid-insoluble ash (0.099%), water-soluble ash (1.528%), alcohol-soluble extract (0.564%) and water-soluble extract (4.11%)Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic extract of J. gendarussa showed the presence of alkaloid, steroid, flavonoid, phenol, carbohydrate, saponin and quinoneHigh-performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting showed different peaks at different wavelengthChemical profiling of medicinal roots of J. gendarussa by gas chromatography. mass spectrometry revealed the presence of oleic acid, 9,12.octadecadienoic acid, 6,9,12-octadecatrienoic acid and estra-1,3,5 (10)-trein-17-ß-ol as bioactive compound. Abbreviations Used: TLC: Thin layer chromatography; HPTLC: High performance thin layer chromatography; GCMS: Gas chromatography-mass specrtometry; QSIMP: Quality standard of indian medicinal plant; LOD: Loss on drying; TA: Total ash; AIA: Acid insoluble ash; WSA: Water soluble ash; ASE: Alcohol soluble extractive; WSE: Water soluble extractive.

Gold nanoparticles ameliorate acetaminophen induced hepato-renal injury in rats.

Valuable effects of gold particles have been reported and used in complementary medicine for decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against acetaminophen (APAP) induced toxicity. Albino rats were administered APAP at a dose of 2g/kg p.o. once only. After 24h of APAP intoxication, animals were treated with three different doses of AuNPs (50µg/kg, 100µg/kg, 150µg/kg) orally or silymarin at a dose of 50mg/kg p.o., once only. Animals of all the groups were sacrificed after 24h of last treatment. APAP administered group showed a significant rise in the AST, ALT, SALP, LDH, cholesterol, bilirubin, albumin, urea and creatinine in serum which indicated the hepato-renal damage. A significantly enhanced LPO and a depleted level of GSH were observed in APAP intoxicated rats. Declined activities of SOD and Catalase, after acetaminophen exposure indicated oxidative stress in liver and kidney. The activities of ATPase and glucose-6-Phosphatase were significantly inhibited after APAP administration. AuNPs treatment reversed all variables significantly towards normal level and was found nontoxic. Thus it is concluded that gold nanoparticles played a beneficial role in reducing acetaminophen induced toxicity and can be used in the development of drug against hepatic as well as renal diseases, after further preclinical and clinical studies.

Therapeutic potential of quercetin against acrylamide induced toxicity in rats.

Acrylamide (AA) is found in foods containing carbohydrates and proteins, where it is formed during the heating process. It is classified as neurotoxic and probably carcinogenic to humans. The present investigation was aimed to determine the lethal Dose (LD50) of AA and to evaluate the protective effects of quercetin (QE) against AA induced adverse effects in rats. For the determination of LD50, AA was administered orally at four different doses (46.4mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 215mg/kg and 464mg/kg) to experimental animals for seven days. After 7days LD50 of AA was determined using graphical method of Miller and Tainter. Then AA was administered at 1/3rd dose of LD50 (38.27mgkg-1 body weight; p.o. for 10 days) followed by the therapy of QE (5, 10, 20 and 40mg kg-1 orally), for 3 consecutive days for the determination of protective effect of QE against AA. The estimated LD50 of AA was 114.81mg/kg with 95% confidence interval. Exposure to AA 1/3rd dose of LD50 for 10days induced neurotoxicity which was confirmed by decreased acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. AA substantially increased lipid peroxidation (LPO), decreased the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) in liver, kidney and brain. It also increased the activities of serum transaminases, urea, uric acid, creatinine, lipid profile, bilirubin in serum. Treatment with QE restored tissue and serological indices concomitantly towards normal levels. These results revealed that QE is able to significantly alleviate the toxicity induced by AA in rats.

Reversal of Lead-Induced Acute Toxicity by Lipoic Acid with Nutritional Supplements in Male Wistar Rats.

Lead (Pb) is a pleiotropic toxicant. The potential role of oxidative stress injury that is associated with Pb poisoning suggests that antioxidants may enhance the efficacy of treatment designed to mitigate Pb-induced toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the comparative ameliorative potential of lipoic acid (LA) alone or in combination with calcium (Ca) and zinc (Zn). Pb acetate (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was administered for 3 d. After 24 h of the last toxicant dose, LA (100 mg/kg, orally [po]) alone or in conjuction with Ca (50 mg/kg, po) and Zn (10 mg/kg, po) was administered for 3 d. Significant alterations in the concentration of urea, uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, lipid peroxidation, and reduced glutathione as well as alterations in enzyme activity of δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) dehydratase were observed following acute Pb exposure. These findings were also supported by elevated mean DNA damage and Pb body burden in blood and soft tissues compared to controls (p ≤ 0.05). Three d posttreatment with LA along with Zn and Ca could significantly restore the biochemical parameters and Pb body burden to near-normal status through antioxidant activity or by preventing bioaccumulation of Pb within the blood and tissues of experimental rats.

Bougainvillea spectabilis Exhibits Antihyperglycemic and Antioxidant Activities in Experimental Diabetes.

The study investigates the effects of aqueous extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis leaves on blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile, oxidative stress, and on DNA damage, if any, as well as on liver and kidney functions in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar rats. Daily administration of the aqueous extract of B spectabilis leaves for 28 days resulted in significant reduction in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia as evident from restoration of relevant biochemical markers following extract administration. The extract also exhibited significant antioxidant activity as evidenced from the enzymatic and nonenzymatic responses and DNA damage markers. The extract restored kidney and liver functions to normal and proved to be nontoxic. A marked improvement in the histological changes of tissues was also observed. The present study documented antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidative potentials of the aqueous extract of B spectabilis leaves without any toxicity in streptozotocin-treated Wistar rats.