Association of vitamin D status with redox balance and insulin resistance and its predicting ability for subclinical pregnancy toxemia in pregnant sheep.

The study aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D on redox balance, insulin resistance and its predicting value for subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) in pregnant ewes. At four weeks pre-lambing, fifteen healthy pregnant ewes were divided into two groups, ewes with sufficient vitamin D (25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25VitD) (SVD, n = 9) and ewes with insufficient 25VitD (ISVD, n = 6). Blood samples were collected at 4 weeks pre-lambing using modified frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test for the estimation of various metabolites. The baseline glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), fructosamine, beta-hydroxy butyric acid (ß-BHA), calcium, phosphorus concentration and total oxidant status (TOS) did not differ significantly between the two groups, however, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly (p = 0.031) low in ISVD ewes. Area under the curve for glucose, insulin, elimination rate of glucose and peak insulin also did not differ significantly between the two groups. Correlation analysis revealed, positive association of 25VitD with fructosamine, calcium and TAC, and negative correlation with NEFA and TOS. Subsequent blood sampling at 2 weeks pre-lambing and at lambing showed significant difference in NEFA (p = 0.001), ß-HBA (p = 0.001), and fructosamine(p = 0.012) between the two groups. A significant time x group interaction was observed in NEFA (p = 0.019), ß-HBA (p = 0.031), and fructosamine (p = 0.026) concentration. The NEFA concentrations were increased and fructosamine decreased at 2 weeks pre-lambing and at lambing along with significantly increased ß-HBA at 2 weeks pre-lambing in ISVD compared to SVD. Taking 0.8 mmol/L ß-HBA as the cut off limit for SPT, ISVD ewes had higher odds of developing SPT two weeks prior to lambing (OD 16.00; p = 0.042) and at lambing (OD 10; p = 0.077). This study concludes that 25VitD significantly influence redox balance and energy profile and serves as a valuable predictor for SPT in pregnant sheep.

Evaluation of the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. rhizome with excision wound model in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is a plant growing in the Himalayan region of India where locals use its rhizomes for a variety of disease conditions including wounds and fractures. Although some of its pharmacological benefits have been documented, scientific validation of its wound healing property has not been done so far. AIM OF THE STUDY: To ensure use of this natural remedy as an alternative therapy to the faster wound healing, this study evaluated the wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata rhizome using excision wound model in Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four groups (n = 10) of rats were subjected to different topical wound regimens for 14 days. Simple paraffin-lanolin ointment was applied to the control group rats. One group was applied povidone-iodine 10% (w/w) ointment. The other two groups were treated with ointment of ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata at 5 or 10% (w/w) rhizome, respectively. Blood and wound tissue samples were collected on 7th and 14th day of treatment and were correspondingly subjected to histopathology, and the assays of L-hydroxyproline, D-glucosamine, antioxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Wound histology revealed increased collagenation, re-epithelialization and neovascularization while decreased bacterial colonies in the treatment groups. These histological changes and wound contraction were better in the 10% Bergenia ciliata group. Tissue L-hydroxyproline levels, blood enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were increased in the treatment groups. On 7th day of treatment glucosamine levels increased in the treatment groups, while as a reverse trend was observed on day 14. Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that treatment with Bergenia ciliata extract ointment provides satisfactory wound healing which is comparable to that of the standard wound healing ointment, povidone-iodine and is surpassing simple lanolin-paraffin ointment. The improved wound healing, especially in the 10% Bergenia ciliata groups, can be attributed to satisfactory profile of the above studied parameters in these treatment groups which is also construed by the phytochemical analysis of its extract revealing the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds gallic acid, catechin, quercetin and rutin as the major active components.

Effect of bifenthrin on oxidative stress parameters in the liver, kidneys, and lungs of rats.

Oxidative stress inducing potential of bifenthrin was evaluated in the liver, kidney, and lung of rats following its repeated oral administration for 20 and 30 days. Bifenthrin-treated rats showed a significant lipid peroxidation in all three tissues. By 20th day of treatment, there was a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase activity of the liver, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity of the liver and lung, and glutathione S-transferase activity of the kidney and lung. By 30th day of exposure, the activities of these enzymes were significantly decreased in all three tissues. The highest oxidative stress, indicated by lipid peroxidation and alteration in antioxidant enzymes, is produced in the liver followed by the kidney and lung. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in the liver, kidney, and lung. The extent of oxidative stress is increased with the duration of exposure.

Effect of levofloxacin, pazufloxacin, enrofloxacin, and meloxicam on the immunolocalization of ABCG-2 transporter protein in rabbit retina.

Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) sub-family G member-2 (ABCG-2) is a transporter protein, implicated for multi-drug efflux from tissues. This study evaluated the effect of fluoroquinolones; levofloxacin, pazufloxacin and enrofloxacin, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, meloxicam; on the immunolocalization of ABCG-2 transporter protein of rabbit retinas. Thirty-two male rabbits were randomly divided in to eight groups. Control group was gavaged, 2% benzyl alcohol in 5% dextrose since these chemicals are excipients of the drug preparations used in the treatment groups of this study. Four groups were exclusively gavaged, levofloxacin hemihydrate (10 mg/kg body weight b.i.d 12 h), pazufloxacin mesylate (10 mg/kg body weight b.i.d 12 h), enrofloxacin (20 mg/kg body weight o.d.), and meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg body weight o.d.), respectively. Three other groups were co-gavaged meloxicam with above fluoroquinolones, respectively. These drugs were administered for 21 days. ABCG-2 immunolocalization was mild in the retinas of control and levofloxacin-alone-treated groups. The immunolocalization intensity was significantly higher in meloxicam-alone-treated group when compared to control and levofloxacin-alone-treated groups. Immunolocalization of this transporter increased in the levofloxacin-meloxicam co-treated group when compared to the levofloxacin-alone-treated group. Highest immunolocalization was observed in the enrofloxacin-meloxicam co-treated group although the immunolocalization of all treatment groups, except the levofloxacin-alone-treated group, was significantly higher than the control and levofloxacin-alone-treated groups.

Effect of deltamethrin and fluoride co-exposure on the brain antioxidant status and cholinesterase activity in Wistar rats.

The study evaluated the effect of commercial preparation of deltamethrin, Butox®, and fluoride (F-) co-exposure on the brain antioxidant status and cholinesterase activity in rats. Group A was untreated. Group B was gavaged Butox®, providing deltamethrin at the dose rate of 1.28 mg per kg body weight per day. Group C was administered F-, as NaF, in drinking water providing 20 ppm F-. Group D received both deltamethrin and F- at the same dosages as groups B and C, respectively. Although, glutathione S-transferase activity was induced only in Butox® alone treated group, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were inhibited in all treatment groups when compared to the control group. Elevated lipid peroxidation was observed in the groups exposed to F-. The activity of erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was inhibited in Butox® treated groups, whereas brain AChE activity was inhibited in all treatment groups. In conclusion, both deltamethrin (given as Butox®) and F- inhibit AChE activity and produce oxidative stress in brain with F- producing more oxidative damage. However, compared to the individual exposures, the co-exposure of these chemicals does not produce any exacerbated alteration in these biochemical parameters.

Effect of repeated oral administration of levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, and meloxicam on antioxidant parameters and lipid peroxidation in rabbits.

The effect of 21 days of repeated oral administration of levofloxacin and enrofloxacin both alone and in combination with meloxicam, on the oxidative balance in blood was evaluated in rabbits. Rabbits were randomly allocated to six groups of four animals each. Control group was gavaged 5% dextrose and 2% benzyl alcohol. Three groups were exclusively gavaged meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg body weight o.d.), levofloxacin hemihydrate (10 mg/kg body weight b.i.d 12 h), and enrofloxacin (20 mg/kg body weight o.d.), respectively. Two other groups were co-gavaged meloxicam with levofloxacin hemihydrate and enrofloxacin, respectively. A reduction ( p < 0.05) of reduced glutathione levels was observed in groups treated with meloxicam both alone and in combination with levofloxacin, whereas an increase ( p < 0.01) in the levels of this antioxidant was observed in the groups treated with enrofloxacin. The activities of enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, were induced ( p < 0.05) in levofloxacin-alone treated group. Superoxide dismutase was also induced ( p < 0.05) in meloxicam-alone treated group and inhibited ( p < 0.05) in enrofloxacin-meloxicam co-treated group. The activity of catalase was non-significantly different between various groups. Enrofloxacin-treated groups had higher ( p < 0.01) lipid peroxidation than control and levofloxacin-alone treated groups. Elevated lipid peroxidation was also observed in the groups treated with meloxicam both alone and in combination with levofloxacin ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, these drugs have potential to induce oxidative imbalance, however, compared to levofloxacin, more oxidative damage is produced by enrofloxacin and meloxicam.

Evaluation of ameliorative potential of supranutritional selenium on enrofloxacin-induced testicular toxicity.

The study was designed to assess the ameliorative potential of selenium (Se) on enrofloxacin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. There was a significant decrease in body weight and non-significant decrease in mean testicular weight of enrofloxacin treated rats. In enrofloxacin treated rats, total sperm count and viability decreased where as sperm abnormalities increased. Testicular histopathology revealed dose dependent dysregulation of spermatogenesis and presence of necrotic debris in seminiferous tubules which was marginally improved with Se. Enrofloxacin also produced a dose dependent decrease in testosterone level. The activity of testicular antioxidant enzymes decreased where as lipid peroxidation increased in a dose-dependent manner. Se supplementation partially restored oxidative stress and sperm damage and did not affect the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin or ciprofloxacain. The results indicate that enrofloxacin produces a dose-dependent testicular toxicity in rats that is moderately ameliorated with supranutritional Se.

Effects of repeated oral administration of pazufloxacin mesylate and meloxicam on the antioxidant status in rabbits.

Prolonged antibiotic and antiinflammatory therapy for complicated infections exposes the body to xenobiotics that can produce several adverse effects for which oxidative damage is the proposed underlying mechanism. In this context, we evaluated the effect of pazufloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial, and meloxicam, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, on antioxidant parameters and lipid peroxidation in rabbits after oral administration for 21 d. Reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased in rabbits (n = 4 per group) given pazufloxacin, meloxicam, or their combination. In addition, glutathione peroxidase activity was induced in the rabbits treated with pazufloxacin only. Administration of pazufloxacin and meloxicam, as single agents as well as in combination, produced significant lipid peroxidation compared with levels in untreated controls. In conclusion, both pazufloxacin and meloxicam potentially can induce oxidative damage in rabbits.

Sub-acute deltamethrin and fluoride toxicity induced hepatic oxidative stress and biochemical alterations in rats.

The current study investigated the effects of deltamethrin, fluoride (F(-)) and their combination on the hepatic oxidative stress and consequent alterations in blood biochemical markers of hepatic damage in rats. Significant hepatic oxidative stress and hepatic damage were observed in the toxicant exposed groups. These changes were higher in the deltamethrin-F(-) co-exposure treatment group, depicting a positive interaction between the two chemicals.

Effect of repeated oral administration of bifenthrin on lipid peroxidation and anti-oxidant parameters in Wistar rats.

The oxidative stress-inducing potential of the pyrethroid insecticide, bifenthrin, was evaluated in rats at 5.8 mg/kg body weight once daily for 20 or 30 days. Bifenthrin treated animals showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation, evidenced by increased blood malondialdehyde levels. Blood glutathione levels and activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased significantly in the bifenthrin treated animals after both 20 and 30 days of treatment, whereas, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase decreased significantly only on the 30th day. In conclusion, bifenthrin has a potential to induce severe oxidative stress in rats exposed to sublethal concentrations.