The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of vitamins A, C and E in heart tissue of rats exposed to zinc oxide nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: The rapidly increasing applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in various industries have led to growing concerns about their damaging influence on human health. The present research was designed to determine the protective action of vitamins (Vits) A, C and E on the heart toxicity induced by ZnO NPs. METHODS: Fifty-four male Wistar rats were allocated into 9 groups of 6 and then exposed to ZnO NPs (200 mg/kg), water (Control1), olive oil (Control2), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg) and three groups were co-treated with ZnO and one of the Vits A, C or E. The oxidative stress situation was evaluated by measuring oxidative stress markers and the tissue antioxidant enzyme activity. Besides, the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and Bax and caspase 3,7 activity were assessed. A histopathological examination was also performed to determine the rate of cardiac injury. RESULTS: The results indicated that co-administration of ZnO NPs and the aforementioned Vits significantly reduced the total oxidant status and lipid peroxidation relative to the ZnO group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the supplementation of vitamins, notably Vit E, decreased the ZnO NPs-induced oxidative damage by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to the ZnO NPs-fed rats (P < 0.05). Data also showed the mitigating effects of Vits against ZnO NPs-mediated apoptosis by suppressing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 expression and caspase 3,7 activity. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the protective role of Vits A, C and E against ZnO NPs cardiotoxicity, though at different levels of effectiveness.

Chlorogenic acid protective effects on paraquat-induced pulmonary oxidative damage and fibrosis in rats.

Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide that can cause severe oxidative and fibrotic injuries in lung tissue. Due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of chlorogenic acid (CGA), the present study investigated its effects on PQ-induced pulmonary toxicity. To this end, 30 male rats were randomly categorized into five groups of six. Initially, the first and third groups were treated intraperitoneally (IP) with normal saline and CGA (80 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days, respectively. The second, fourth, and fifth groups were treated with normal saline and 20 and 80 mg/kg of CGA for 28 consecutive days, respectively, and received a single dose of PQ (IP, 20 mg/kg) on Day 7. Then, the animals were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine, and lung tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological examinations. The results showed that PQ significantly increased hydroxyproline (HP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased the lung tissue antioxidant capacity. In addition, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity increased significantly, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity declined substantially. The administration of therapeutic doses of CGA could prevent the oxidative, fibrotic, and inflammatory effects of PQ-induced lung toxicity, and these changes were consistent with histological observations. In conclusion, CGA may improve the antioxidant defense of lung tissue and prevent the spread of inflammation and the development of PQ-induced fibrotic injuries by enhancing antioxidant enzymes and preventing inflammatory cell infiltration.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii infections in one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in central desert of Iran.

The protozoan parasite Neospora caninum infects carnivores as definitive and a wide range of mammals as intermediate hosts. This parasite is regarded as an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide, causing significant economic losses. Although there is serological evidence of infection in Old World camelids, the significance of N. caninum in these animal species is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to use molecular and histological methods to detect N. caninum in the blood and tissues of 100 slaughtered one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Iran. For this, genomic DNA was extracted from blood, brain, portal lymph node and liver of the camels, and nested-PCR assay followed by sequencing were performed. Besides, paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and studied microscopically. In addition, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum was attempted on brain samples with positive PCR results. All animals were tested for antibodies against N. caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by whole tachyzoite-agglutination tests. N. caninum DNA was detected in blood, brain, and portal lymph node, but not in the liver of two (2%) camels. Histopathological examination revealed cysts resembling N. caninum in brain samples of one of these camels; however, immunohistochemical staining for N. caninum and T. gondii did not allow a morphological identification. IgG antibodies to N. caninum and T. gondii were detected in 36% and 35% of the camels, respectively. This study provides the first insight into direct detection of N. caninum in C. dromedarius in Iran. Further molecular studies on aborted fetuses, stillborn animals and cases of perinatal mortality are needed to understand the possible involvement of N. caninum in cases of reproductive failure. As the definitive hosts of N. caninum are domestic and wild canids, producers should be advised to monitor and limit exposure of their camelids to these species and their feces.

The protective effects of vitamins A, C, and E on zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs)-induced liver oxidative stress in male Wistar rats.

The ever-increasing use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in industrial and consumer products leads to concerns about their safety. Liver is one of the most important target organs of nanoparticles after entering the body. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of vitamins (Vit) A, C, and E on ZnO NPs-induced liver oxidative stress. For this task, 54 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups of six: control 1 (water), control 2 (olive oil), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO + VitA, ZnO + VitC, and ZnO + VitE. The animals received ZnO for 2 weeks while treatment with Vit started one week before the ZnO administration. In order to specify oxidative stress status, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status and malondialdehyde were determined by colorimetric assay. In addition, the activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated by colorimetric assay kit and qRT-PCR, respectively. Moreover, histological analysis was conducted to estimate the extent of liver damage. Our results indicate that the oxidative parameters are increased while the content of TAC, antioxidant enzymes activity, and gene expression of SOD, GPX, and CAT show a significant reduction in the liver of ZnO-treated rats compared to the control (p< 0.05). In contrast, the administration of Vit could significantly modulate the aforementioned changes. Overall, Vit A, E, and C can mitigate oxidative stress caused by ZnO NPs.

Maternal long-term inhalation exposure to perchloroethylene and prenatal teratogenicity: morphometric, hormonal, and histological study.

Some commonly used chemicals have teratogenic effects. Perchloroethylene (PCE) is a liquid that is widely used in various industries and drying clothes. In this study, the teratogenic effects of PCE in rat embryos were investigated. In this experimental study, 32 adult Wistar female rats in the weight range of 230-250 g were used. Female rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8). Control group (without PCE inhalation), experimental group G(I) (exposed to PCE 18 days prior to mating), experimental group G(II) (exposed to PCE 18 days after mating) and experimental group G(III) (exposed to PCE 18 days before and 18 days after mating). Pregnant rats were anesthetized on the 18th day of gestation and then serum and embryos were removed for the required studies. Embryos were examined for number, weight, sex, morphometric parameters of organs, and tissue samples were prepared for histological studies. Serum isolated from dams were evaluated for sexual and gonadal hormones. The results of this study showed that PCE has teratogenic effects on rat embryos. Infertility and reduced birth rate were other effects of PCE in rats. PCE has teratogenic effects and impairs the reproductive system of rats.

Treatment with human umbilical cord blood serum in a gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity model in rats.

Sold under the brand name of Garamycin, gentamicin (GM) is an antibiotic in the category of aminoglycoside, that although does have many antibacterial properties, owing to several side effects, its consumption is confined. The current study is aimed at gauging the protective influences of human umbilical cord blood serum (hUCBS) on nephrotoxicity which is induced by GM. In this regard, in the present experimental design, twenty-eight male Wistar rats with the weights of 220 ± 20 g were categorized randomly into 4 groups of seven. The groups included GM (100 mg/kg), control as well as hUCBS at doses of one and two percent together with GM (100 mg/kg) for ten days in an intraperitoneal manner. Blood sampling was collected from the heart directly 24 h after the final injection for obtaining blood serum; the parameters of C-reactive protein (CRP), total oxidant status (TOS), interleukin (IL)-6, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood serum glutathione (GSH) were gauged in blood serum samples to evaluate renal function. Moreover, for histology, an examination of kidney tissue was performed. In comparison to those of the GM group, in the treatment group, hUCBS significantly decreased the levels of BUN, Cr, LDH, TOS, IL-6, and the CRP levels, and significantly increased the TAC and GSH levels. It was revealed that the treatment of the animals with hUCBS culminates in the reduction of GM' toxic impacts on the kidney.

Evaluation of testicular glycogen storage, FGF21 and LDH expression and physiological parameters of sperm in hyperglycemic rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera Securidaca seeds, and Glibenclamide.

Structural and physiological changes in sperm and semen parameters reduce fertility in diabetic patients. Securigera Securidaca (S. Securidaca) seed is a herbal medicine with hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-hypertensive effects. The question now is whether this herbal medicine improves fertility in diabetic males. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of S. Securidaca seeds (HESS), glibenclamide and a combination of both on fertility in hyperglycemic rats by comparing histological and some biochemical changes in testicular tissue and sperm parameters. The treatment protocol included administration of three doses of HESS and one dose of glibenclamide, as well as treatment with both in diabetic Wistar diabetic rats and comparison of the results with untrated groups. The quality of the testicular tissue as well as histometric parameters and spermatogenesis indices were evaluated during histopathological examination. Epididymal sperm analysis including sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, maturity, and chromatin structure were studied. The effect of HESS on the expression of LDH and FGF21 genes and tissue levels of glycogen, lactate, and total antioxidant capacity in testicular tissue was investigated and compared with glibenclamide. HESS improved sperm parameters in diabetic rats but showed little restorative effect on damaged testicular tissue. In this regard, glibenclamide was more effective than the highest dose of HESS and its combination with HESS enhanced its effectiveness so that histological tissue characteristics and sperm parameters were were comparable to those of healthy rats. The expression level of testicular FGF21 gene increased in diabetic rats, which intensified after treatment with HESS as well as glibenclamide. The combination of HESS and glibenclamide restored the expression level of testicular LDH gene, as well as tissue storage of glycogen, lactate and LDH activity, and serum testosterone to the levels near healthy control. S. Securidaca seeds can be considered as an effective supplement in combination with hypoglycemic drugs to prevent infertility complications in diabetes.

Hepatic Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) infection in cat (Felis catus)-histopathological findings and first report from Iran.

Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) is a globally distributed nematode with a high affinity to the liver of a wide range of mammalian hosts, including humans. Documented reports of the nematode in cats and associated histopathology are rare. Here, we describe a case of C. hepatica infection in a 5-year-old male stray cat from Iran. At post-car accident necropsy, all body parts appeared normal except for the liver, in which a few yellowish-white granulomatous nodules were observed through the capsule and in the organ. Histopathological examination of the tissue revealed a large number of clustered parasite eggs in the parenchyma. The barrel-shaped, un-embryonated eggs (55.19 × 28.37 µm), with inconspicuous caps at both ends, were covered with striated shells. The presence of ova in the liver tissue had resulted in the development of hepatic inflammation with hepatocellular necrosis associated with the development of multifocal granulomas. As predators of small rodents, the cats might have a significant role in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Infection of hosts through ingestion of embryonated eggs in contaminated water, food, or soil is of major importance in the epidemiology of C. hepatica. Since the rare reports of feline infection have come mainly from accidental detection of the parasite, any hepatic disease presenting difficulties to find an etiological agent may virtually be associated with the infection with this little-known nematode.

Indomethacin loaded dextran stearate polymeric micelles improve adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: design and in vivo evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can effectively control the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its usage is limited due to severe adverse effects. For this reason, making more specific formulations of this drug can be considered. The aim of the present study was designing a novel nano-sized indomethacin delivery system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Indomethacin-loaded dextran stearate polymeric micelles were prepared by dialysis method. Particle size and zeta potential of micelles were measured by a zeta sizer instrument. Drug release from micelles was investigated in phosphate buffer medium pH 7.4 and then the best formulation regarding physical properties and drug release was selected for animal studies. Arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant injection in rats. Then, the animals were randomly assigned into the model, the indomethacin solution and the polymeric micelles groups. The clinical effects of polymeric micelle formulation were assessed by measuring arthritis index, animal paw edema and measuring biochemical parameters including myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-1ß. RESULTS: Paw edema was attenuated following the administration of indomethacin-loaded polymeric micelles. Based on the findings of the present study, the use of indomethacin-loaded polymeric micelles could improve inflammatory symptoms, decrease arthritis index and decrease the diameter of the paw in arthritic rats in a significant manner (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the use of polymeric micelles like indomethacin solution significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the activity of MPO, LPO, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-1ß, and made a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in glutathione and TAC content and ameliorated structural changes in the paw tissue compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that indomethacin-loaded dextran stearate polymeric micelles can provide more effective therapeutic effects in control of inflammation in arthritis in rat.

Stability and antibacterial activity of Thymus daenensis L. essential oil nanoemulsion in mayonnaise.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing demand in the food industry for the replacement of synthetic preservatives with their natural alternatives. This has led to the development of novel methods such as encapsulation of plants essential oil with appropriate physicochemical stability, and antibacterial and organoleptic properties. This study aimed to prepare an optimal nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis L. essential oil for use as a natural preservative in mayonnaise. RESULTS: The analysis of droplet diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation rate, and intrinsic stability showed that out of nine T. daenensis essential oil-containing nanoemulsions, two preparations of A and B had high stability scores. In vitro antibacterial tests showed the adverse effect of Tween 80 volume on the antibacterial properties of nanoemulsions. One nanoemulsion (essential oil:Tween 80, ratio 1:1, 15 min sonication) was considered to be optimal based on its long-term stability and antibacterial effects on Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. However, compared to the optimal nanoemulsion, the pure essential oil showed more antibacterial effects. The bacterial control in mayonnaise was close to equal for sodium benzoate (in maximum limit 1 g kg-1 ) and the optimal nanoemulsion (½ MIC) for 24 h. The optimal nanoemulsion achieved significantly higher sensory scores (taste, appearance, and mouthfeel) than the pure essential oil in mayonnaise (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated similar antibacterial effects for the optimal nanoemulsion and sodium benzoate. The optimal nanoemulsion, due to its desirable sensorial attributes, long-term stability, and slow release of volatile compounds, can be considered an appropriate alternative to synthetic preservatives.

Doxycycline-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles for the enhanced antibacterial potential to treat the chronic brucellosis and preventing its relapse: in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: Brucellosis is one of the most important infection of diseases. Due to its large period of treatment and survival ability of bacteria inside the macrophages, relapse of this disease is the main challenge, especially, after the treatment. OBJECTIVE: The current study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial effect of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with doxycycline on the Brucella melitensis in in vivo conditions. METHODS: The double emulsion synthesized doxycycline-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (DOX-SLN) was characterized using DLS and FE-SEM. The efficacy of the DOX-SLN on the acute and chronic Wistar rat infected brucellosis was investigated. The pathological assessments were made on the spleen and liver in the treated rates. RESULTS: The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that the treated rats with DOX-SLN had significantly decreased the B. melitensis CFUs in their spleen and liver compared to that of the treated rates with free doxycycline and untreated ones. The pathologic results indicate that the improvement trend of spleen and liver tissues in rats treated by DOX-SLN was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: According to in vivo results, the DOX-SLN has better effects on the treatment of chronic brucellosis. Therefore, DOX-SLN is recommended to treat the brucellosis and avoid its relapse.

Should we care about transmission of infectious bacterial agents through serum handling?

Immunological assays are valuable diagnostic tools to detect infections due to most of bacterial microorganisms. However, the question is how much safe are the common serum samples used as sources of antibodies in these assays? Here, we experimentally followed the issue. 10-fold serial dilutions of two Gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, and one Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, were prepared and spiked into freshly taken blood samples of human and four animal species including sheep, goat, cattle, and horse. After blood clotting, serum samples were examined by colony count method before and after a centrifugation step followed by an observation with a scanning electron microscope. No bacteria grew from both centrifuged and non-centrifuged serum samples contained at least 7.5 × 102, 7.5 × 105, and 7.5 × 105 CFU/ml of S. aureus, B. cereus, and E. coli, respectively. Moreover, routine centrifugation criteria did not show any significant effect on decrease of bacterial cells in sera. The results suggest that we can handle serum samples of apparently healthy humans and animal species without deep concern for possibility of transmission of infectious bacterial agents. However, this supposition should not completely be excluded.

Vancomycin and nisin-modified magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanostructures coated with chitosan to enhance antibacterial efficiency against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in a murine superficial wound model.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research was to prepare some Fe3O4@SiO2@Chitosan (CS) magnetic nanocomposites coupled with nisin, and vancomycin to evaluate their antibacterial efficacy under both in vitro and in vivo against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. aureus (MRSA). METHODS: In this survey, the Fe3O4@SiO2 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were constructed as a core and covered the surface of MNPs via crosslinking CS by glutaraldehyde as a shell, then functionalized with vancomycin and nisin to enhance the inhibitory effects of nanoparticles (NPs). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were then used to describe the nanostructures. RESULTS: Based on the XRD, and FE-SEM findings, the average size of the modified magnetic nanomaterials were estimated to be around 22-35 nm, and 34-47 nm, respectively. The vancomycin was conjugated in three polymer-drug ratios; 1:1, 2:1 and 3:1, with the percentages of 45.52%, 35.68%, and 24.4%, respectively. The polymer/drug ratio of 1:1 exhibited the slowest release rate of vancomycin from the Fe3O4@SiO2@CS-VANCO nanocomposites during 24 h, which was selected to examine their antimicrobial effects under in vivo conditions. The nisin was grafted onto the nanocomposites at around 73.2-87.2%. All the compounds resulted in a marked reduction in the bacterial burden (P-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The vancomycin-functionalized nanocomposites exhibited to be more efficient in eradicating the bacterial cells both in vitro and in vivo. These findings introduce a novel bacteriocin-metallic nanocomposite that can suppress the normal bacterial function on demand for the treatment of MRSA skin infections.

Enhancing the efficacy of fluconazole against Leishmania major: Formulation and evaluation of FLZ-nanoemulsions for topical delivery.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions. Present treatment options for CL such as Fluconazole (FLZ) face limitations, including low solubility and bioavailability. This study aimed to address these challenges by investigating the use of nano-emulsions (NEs) to enhance the efficacy of FLZ against Leishmania major(L.major). MATERIALS AND METHODS: FLZ-NEs were formulated with oleic acid, Tween-20, and ethanol using low-energy emulsification at various surfactant/co-surfactant ratios. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the samples. This analysis encompassed stability, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, refractive index, and droplet size. We then studied the anti-parasitic properties of these optimized FLZ-NEs both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The selected nano-emulsion (NE) formulation (2 % oleic acid, 20 % Tween 20, 10 % ethyl alcohol) showcased desirable properties like small droplet size (10.51 ± 0.24 nm), low dispersity (0.19 ± 0.03), and zeta potential value (- 0.41 ± 0.17 mV), key for stability and targeted drug delivery. This optimal formulation translated into remarkable efficacy. In vitro, FLZ-NEs demonstrated a threefold increase in their ability to combat promastigotes and a remarkable thirtyfold increase in their ability to combat amastigotes. Additionally, they demonstrated a ninefold advantage in their ability to specifically target parasites within infected macrophages, thereby attacking the infection site. These promising in vitro results translated into improved outcomes in vivo. Compared to other chemicals studied, FLZ-NE-treated mice showed decreased disease severity, weight growth, and quicker ulcer healing. It was further supported by histopathological research, which showed reduced tissue damage linked to Leishmania infection. CONCLUSION: These findings show the potential of nanotechnology-based drug delivery in improving anti-leishmanial treatment.

Vitamins A, C, and E Exert Anti-apoptotic Function in the Testis of Rats After Exposure to Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

Some reports emphasize that zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are detrimental to the reproductive organs of animals. As such, this research aimed at exploring the apoptotic potential of ZnO NPs on testis along with the beneficial role of Vitamins (V) A, C, and E against ZnO NP-induced damage. To this aim, a population of 54 healthy, male Wistar rats were used in this work and then assigned into nine groups of 6 rats as G1: Control 1 (Water); G2: Control 2 (Olive oil); G3: VA (1000 IU/kg), G4: VC (200 mg/kg), G5: VE (100 IU/kg), G6: ZnO NPs exposed animals (200 mg/kg); and G7, 8 and 9: ZnO NPs-exposed animals that were pre-treated with either VA, C, or E. Apoptosis rates were estimated by measuring the level of apoptotic regulatory markers including Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2) using western blotting and qRT-PCR assays. The data indicated that ZnO NPs exposure elevates the level of Bax protein and gene expression, whereas the protein and gene expression of Bcl-2 was reduced. Further, the activation of caspase-3,7 occurred after exposure to ZnO NPs, while the above alterations were significantly alleviated in the rats that were co-treated with VA, C, or E and ZnO NPs relative to the rats in the ZnO NPs group. In summary, VA, C, and E exerted anti-apoptotic functions in the testis of rats following administration of ZnO NPs.

Effect of Elettaria cardamomum L. on hormonal changes and spermatogenesis in the propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism male BALB/c mice.

INTRODUCTION: Spermatogenesis is significantly influenced by the thyroid gland. Thyroid disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. Traditionally, Ellettaria cardamomum has been used to treat a variety of ailments. The effects of E. cardamomum extract (ECE) on spermatogenesis in hypothyroid mice were investigated in this study. METHODS: In this study 42 male mice, weighing (25-35 g) were randomly divided in six groups: control group (taking normal saline, 0.5 mL/day, by oral gavage [P.O.]), hypothyroid group (taking 0.1% propylthiouracil in drinking water for 2 weeks), hypothyroid groups treated by levothyroxine (15 mg/kg/day, P.O.) and hypothyroid groups treated by ECE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, P.O.). After the end of experiments the mice were anaesthetised and blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis. RESULTS: The sperm count and microscopic studies of testes were done also. Our results showed that the T3 , T4 , testosterone levels and spermatogenesis in hypothyroid animals decreased and thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone increased compared with control group. Treatment by ECE reverse these effects in comparison with hypothyroid group. CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, the ECE may stimulates thyroid gland function and increases testosterone and spermatogenesis.

Bisphenol-S Influence on Oxidative Stress and Endocrine Biomarkers of Reproductive System: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Bisphenol-S (BPS), as a new human public health concern, was introduced to the plastic industry by BPA-free labeled products following the restrictions of Bisphenol-A (BPA) as a safe alternative. However, recent research has revealed a controversial issue. In this regard, the present study aimed to review the relationship between BPS exposure and reproductive system dis/malfunction. Methods: PubMed and other databases were searched up to January 2021. The standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the main parameters using the random-effects model. Finally, 12 studies with 420 subjects were included in this research. Forest plot, meta-regression, and non-linear dose-response effect were calculated for each parameter by random-effects model. Results: Based on the results of in vitro assessment, a significant increase was found in the oxidative stress parameters, including superoxide dismutase (SMD: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.321, 0.939), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (SMD: 0.760, 95% CI: 0.423, 1.096), and reactive oxygen species (SMD: 0.484, 95% CI: 0.132, 0.835). In addition, the hormonal assessment revealed a significant decrease in male testosterone concertation (SMD: -0.476, 95% CI: -0.881, -0.071). Moreover, in vivo examination revealed a significant decrease in hormonal parameters, such as female testosterone (SMD: -0.808, 95% CI: -1.149, -0.467), female estrogen (SMD: -2.608, 95% CI: -4.588, -0.628), female luteinizing hormone (SMD: -0.386, 95% CI: -0.682, -0.089), and female follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (SMD: -0.418, 95% CI: -0.716, -0.119). Besides, linear and non-linear correlations were detected in the main parameters. Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the current meta-analysis, BPS was suggested to be toxic for the reproductive system, similar to the other bisphenols. Moreover, a possible correlation was indicated between oxidative and hormonal status disruption induced by BPS in male and female reproductive systems dis/malfunction.

Ameliorative Effects of Vitamins A, C, and E on Sperm Parameters, Testis Histopathology, and Oxidative Stress Status in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Treated Rats.

One of the most often utilized nanoparticles (NPs) in several technologies is zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs. However, these NPs are said to have harmful effects on the reproductive system. Thus, we designed this study to specify the potential preventive activity of vitamins (Vits) A, C, and E, as antioxidants, against toxicity of ZnO NPs in the testes of rats. A total of 54 Wistar rats were arranged in 9 groups of 6 and then orally received water (control 1), olive oil (control 2), Vit A (1000 IU/kg), Vit C (200 mg/kg), Vit E (100 IU/kg), ZnO (200 mg/kg), ZnO+Vit A, ZnO+Vit C, and ZnO+Vit E. To determine the amount of testicular injury, sperm analysis and histological evaluation were performed. In addition, oxidative stress status was examined using colorimetric and qRT-PCR methods. Our findings suggest that ZnO NPs cause adverse effects on sperm parameters and testicular histology. Furthermore, oxidative biomarkers (malondialdehyde and total oxidant capacity) were enhanced in the ZnO group. By contrast, the gene expression and activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) noted a remarkable decrease in the ZnO group regarding control (p < 0.05). However, oxidative markers were remarkably mitigated after combined treatment of ZnO NPs and Vits A, C, or E compared to the rats given ZnO NPs (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to the ZnO NP group, the rats receiving Vits+ZnO NPs exhibit increased antioxidant enzyme activity and mRNA expression (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the abovementioned Vits' ameliorative effects on toxicity incurred by ZnO NPs.

Biliary parascarosis in a foal.

Migration of Ascaris lumbricoides through the papilla of Vater in humans, and entry into the biliary tree, is well-recognised. Ascaris suum and Toxocara vitulorum have been recovered from the liver of swine and buffalo. We necropsied a Persian Kurdish filly at age 6 months, weighing ∼100 kg. Death evidently was caused by oleander (Nerium oleander) intoxication. An 8-cm adult male Parascaris was found at the lobar-left hepatic bile duct junction. We suggest that the nematode entered anteriorly into the hepatic tree, via the duodenum, major duodenal papilla, bile duct, left hepatic duct and finally the lobar duct. Considering the brief 4-h elapsed time between death and necropsy, and the 18-cm distance from the major duodenal papilla to the location of the parasite, we conclude that entry into the biliary tree likely occurred ante-mortem. We advise consideration of Parascaris infection in differential diagnosis of equine hepatic and pancreatic dysfunction.