The Effects of Apricot Kernels and Pure Amygdalin on the Structural, Oxidative, and Inflammatory Characteristics of Rabbit Testicular Tissue.

BACKGROUND: Apricot kernels containing amygdalin (AMG) as the major cyanogenic glycoside are potentially useful as a complementary therapy for the management of several ailments including cancer. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the toxic and therapeutic doses of AMG, particularly in terms of male reproduction. Hence, this study evaluates selected qualitative characteristics of rabbit testicular tissue following in vivo administration of AMG or apricot kernels for 28 days. METHODS: The rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (Control, P1, P2, P3, P4). The Control received no AMG/apricot kernels while the experimental groups P1 and P2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at a dose of 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.) for 28 days, respectively. P3 and P4 received a daily dose of 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. of crushed apricot kernels mixed with feed for 28 days, respectively. Changes to the testicular structure were quantified morphometrically, while tissue lysates were subjected to the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, total antioxidant capacity, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and glutathione concentration. The extent of damage to the proteins and lipids was quantified as well. Levels of selected cytokines were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay while a luminometric approach was used to assess the activity of caspases. RESULTS: Rabbits treated with 3.0 mg/kg b.w. AMG presented a significantly increased protein oxidation (p = 0.0118) accompanied by a depletion of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.0464), catalase (p = 0.0317), and glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.0002). Significantly increased levels of interleukin-1 beta (p = 0.0012), tumor necrosis factors alpha (p = 0.0159), caspase-3/7 (p = 0.0014), and caspase-9 (p = 0.0243) were also recorded in the experimental group P2 when compared to the Control. No effects were observed in the rabbits treated with apricot kernels at the oxidative, inflammatory, and histopathological levels. CONCLUSIONS: Apricot kernels did not induce toxicity in the testicular tissues of male rabbits, unlike pure AMG, which had a negative effect on male reproductive structures carried out through oxidative, inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms.

Sea buckthorn, its bioactive constituents, and mechanism of action: potential application in female reproduction.

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a flowering shrub, and its berries have been utilized for decades as a raw ingredient in cuisines and herbal remedies. This evidence-based study focuses on its key bioactive constituents, and mechanism of protective effects with a focus on female reproductive processes. Parts of the plant contain phenols, carotenoids (lycopene, carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin, glycosides, and kaempferol), tocopherols, sterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, omega 3, 6, 9 and rare omega 7 fatty acids etc. Key polyphenolic flavonoids such as isorhamnetin and quercetin are believed to be mainly responsible behind its health benefits (against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity etc.) through properties including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. These sea buckthorn constituents appear to mediate healthy ovarian cell proliferation, death, and hormone release, as well as decrease ovarian cancer possibly through apoptosis, and hormonal (estrogen) release. Thus, sea buckthorn and its bioactive ingredients may have potential in the management of gynecological problems such as uterine inflammation, endometriosis, and easing symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women (by targeting inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF). Apigenin, myricetin, and luteolin have also been recommended as prospective ovarian cancer preventative and adjuvant therapy options as they can inhibit ovarian cancerogenesis by triggering apoptosis and halting the cell cycle in ovarian tumors. Furthermore, its oil (containing carotenoid, sterol, and hypericin) has been speculated as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women particularly to improve vaginal epithelial integrity. However, it is uncertain whether steroid hormone receptors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory regulators are actually behind sea buckhorn's actions. Sea buckthorn, and its compounds' health promoting potential warrants further validation not just in vitro and in animal research, but also in clinical trials to identify and/or standardize optimal methods of delivery of biologically active molecules.

Modulatory effect of pomegranate peel extract on key regulators of ovarian cellular processes in vitro.

In this study, response of ovarian cells (human granulosa cell line HGL5, and human adenocarcinoma cell line OVCAR-3) to short-term pomegranate peel extract (PPE) treatment (for 24 hours in cell culture) was evaluated in vitro. Quantitative and qualitative screening of polyphenols revealed punicalagins α and ß as major polyphenolic components. Total phenolic content (TPC) was 93.76 mg GAE/g d.w. with a high antioxidant activity of 95.30 mg TEAC/g d.w. In OVCAR-3, PPE treatment inhibited the metabolic activity, and increased cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDKN1A, p21) level at the highest dose, but not in HGL5. Flow cytometry analysis could not detect any significant difference between proportions of live, dead, and apoptotic cells in both cell lines. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed an antioxidant effect on HGL5, and a prooxidant effect by stimulating ROS generation in OVCAR-3 cells at the higher doses of PPE. However, in contrast to HGL5, PPE treatment decreased release of growth factors - TGF-ß2 and EGF at the highest dose, as well as their receptors TGFBR2 and EGFR in OVCAR-3 cells. PPE also influenced steroidogenesis in granulosa cells HGL5 by stimulating 17ß-estradiol secretion at higher doses. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the bioactive compounds in pomegranate peels and the possible mechanisms of action of PPE, shedding light on its promising role in ovarian cancer (chemo)prevention and/or management.

Reactive oxygen species mediated apoptotic death of colon cancer cells: therapeutic potential of plant derived alkaloids.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most deaths causing diseases worldwide. Several risk factors including hormones like insulin and insulin like growth factors (e.g., IGF-1) have been considered responsible for growth and progression of colon cancer. Though there is a huge advancement in the available screening as well as treatment techniques for CRC. There is no significant decrease in the mortality of cancer patients. Moreover, the current treatment approaches for CRC are associated with serious challenges like drug resistance and cancer re-growth. Given the severity of the disease, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic agents with ideal characteristics. Several pieces of evidence suggested that natural products, specifically medicinal plants, and derived phytochemicals may serve as potential sources for novel drug discovery for various diseases including cancer. On the other hand, cancer cells like colon cancer require a high basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to maintain its own cellular functions. However, excess production of intracellular ROS leads to cancer cell death via disturbing cellular redox homeostasis. Therefore, medicinal plants and derived phytocompounds that can enhance the intracellular ROS and induce apoptotic cell death in cancer cells via modulating various molecular targets including IGF-1 could be potential therapeutic agents. Alkaloids form a major class of such phytoconstituents that can play a key role in cancer prevention. Moreover, several preclinical and clinical studies have also evidenced that these compounds show potent anti-colon cancer effects and exhibit negligible toxicity towards the normal cells. Hence, the present evidence-based study aimed to provide an update on various alkaloids that have been reported to induce ROS-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells via targeting various cellular components including hormones and growth factors, which play a role in metastasis, angiogenesis, proliferation, and invasion. This study also provides an individual account on each such alkaloid that underwent clinical trials either alone or in combination with other clinical drugs. In addition, various classes of phytochemicals that induce ROS-mediated cell death in different kinds of cancers including colon cancer are discussed.

The multiple actions of grape and its polyphenols on female reproductive processes with an emphasis on cell signalling.

Grapes are an economically important fruit crop, and their polyphenols (mainly phenolic acids, flavanols, flavonols, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes) can exert a wide range of health benefits as an interesting and valuable dietary supplement for natural complementary therapy. However, their potential physiological and therapeutic actions on reproductive processes have not been sufficiently elucidated. This evidence-based study presents current knowledge of grape extracts and polyphenols, as well as their properties and therapeutical actions in relation to female reproduction in a nutshell. Grape extract, and its polyphenols such as resveratrol, proanthocyanidin B2 or delphinidin may influence female reproductive physiology and pathology, as well as regulate multiple signaling pathways related to reproductive hormones, steroid hormones receptors, intracellular regulators of oxidative stress and subsequent inflammation, apoptosis, and proliferation. Their role in the management of ovarian cancer, age-related reproductive insufficiency, ovarian ischemia, PCOS, or menopausal syndrome has been indicated. In particular, the potential involvement of grapeseed extracts and/or proanthocyanidin B2 and delphinidin on ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and developmental capacity has been implicated, albeit at different regulatory levels. Grape polyphenols exert a wide range of health benefits posing grape extract as an interesting and valuable dietary supplement for natural complementary therapy. This evidence-based study focuses on the actions of grapeseed extract and grape polyphenols on female reproductive processes at various regulatory levels and multiple signalling pathways by regulating reproductive hormones (GnRH, gonadotropins, prolactin, steroid hormones, IGFBP), steroid receptors, markers of proliferation and apoptosis. However, lack of knowledge of standardized dosages so far limits their clinical application despite the wide range of their biological and therapeutic potentials.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Updated Overview Foregrounding Impacts of Ethnicities and Geographic Variations.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common heterogeneous conditions of the endocrine reproductive system in women of childbearing age. Hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea are the two core characteristics of PCOS, a complicated and multifaceted illness. The condition is also linked to several major side effects, which include type 2 diabetes, early atherosclerosis, infertility, and endometrial cancer. There are few facts and statistics available on PCOS prevalence internationally due to the significant degree of geographic and ethnic variance and inconsistency caused by different diagnosis standards. Limited (n = 179) explorations have been made in the context of the prevalence of this complicated illness so far, and out of these, only 55 studies have discussed its association with race and/or ethnicity. However, those studies remain restricted due to the small sample size, biased selection, and the lack of comparative studies. Variations in PCOS prevalence frequency also arise due to different diagnostic criteria, as well as racial and ethnic differences, associated lifestyle factors, and subsequent illnesses that affect the accuracy of the diagnosis. The main objective behind this systematic review is to provide comprehensive epidemiological data on PCOS that is organized geographically. This evidence-based study also provides an overview of the clinical management of PCOS to instigate further research on this complex endocrinological condition and the subsequent development of preventive treatment strategies.

Black Elder and Its Constituents: Molecular Mechanisms of Action Associated with Female Reproduction.

The present review summarizes the current knowledge concerning provenance, properties, physiological and therapeutic actions of elderberry and the bioactive molecules present in the plant, with emphasis on their action on female reproduction. Elderberry or black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) attracts attention due to its easy cultivation and high availability of bioactive compounds. Most of the available data concerning black elder's therapeutic action are focused on its effects such as activation of immune processes and anti-inflammatory processes (cytokine production, etc.) and regulation of hormones and their receptors in cancer cells. The effects of elderberry on reproduction have been poorly investigated so far. Nevertheless, conducted studies so far demonstrate the stimulatory influence of black elder extract and its constituents, such as rutin, anthocyanins and agglutinins, on the viability and steroidogenesis of healthy ovarian cells as well as their ability to promote apoptosis and reduce the viability and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the action of black elder extract and its constituent biomolecules, such as anthocyanins and lectins, on embryogenesis and the embryonal estradiol-estradiol receptor system have also been reported. The available information, despite limitations, suggest the applicability of black elder constituents for improvement of reproductive processes in animal biotechnology, animal production and assisted reproduction, as well as for prevention and treatment of reproductive disorders (including cancer) in veterinary and human medicine.

Inflammation, It's Regulation and Antiphlogistic Effect of the Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin.

The inflammatory reaction accompanies in part or in full any disease process in the vascularized metazoan. This complicated reaction is controlled by regulatory mechanisms, some of which produce unpleasant symptomatic manifestations of inflammation. Therefore, there has been an effort to develop selective drugs aimed at removing pain, fever, or swelling. Gradually, however, serious adverse side effects of such inhibitors became apparent. Scientific research has therefore continued to explore new possibilities, including naturally available substances. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside present, e.g., in bitter almonds. This glycoside has already sparked many discussions among scientists, especially about its anticancer potential and related toxic cyanides. However, toxicity at different doses made it generally unacceptable. Although amygdalin given at the correct oral dose may not lead to poisoning, it has not yet been accurately quantified, as its action is often affected by different intestinal microbial consortia. Its pharmacological activities have been studied, but its effects on the body's inflammatory response are lacking. This review discusses the chemical structure, toxicity, and current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of amygdalin activity on immune functions, including the anti-inflammatory effect, but also discusses inflammation as such, its mediators with diverse functions, which are usually targeted by drugs.

The Multiple Actions of Amygdalin on Cellular Processes with an Emphasis on Female Reproduction.

The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the provenance and properties, metabolism and toxicity, mechanism of action, physiological, and therapeutic roles of amygdalin-a molecule present in the seeds of apricot and other plants-with an emphasis on the action of amygdalin on reproductive processes, particularly in the female. Amygdalin influences physiological processes including female reproduction at various regulatory levels via extra- and intracellular signaling pathways regulating secretory activity, cell viability, steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, while being metabolized in the body, amygdalin releases significant amounts of cyanide, which may lead to acute health hazard in those individuals who may be at risk. Despite some contradictions in the available data about benefits and toxic effects of amygdalin, its potential applicability at low doses may present a promising tool for regulation of various reproductive and other physiological processes including disease management primarily in cancer phytotherapy, animal production, medicine, and biotechnology. However, further research involving carefully designed dose-response studies is required to overcome the possible side effects of amygdalin and assure its safety as a therapeutic agent.

Enhancing Bioavailability of Nutraceutically Used Resveratrol and Other Stilbenoids.

Stilbenoids are interesting natural compounds with pleiotropic in vitro and in vivo activity. Their well-documented biological properties include anti-inflammatory effects, anticancer effects, effects on longevity, and many others. Therefore, they are nowadays commonly found in foods and dietary supplements, and used as a part of treatment strategy in various types of diseases. Bioactivity of stilbenoids strongly depends on different types of factors such as dosage, food composition, and synergistic effects with other plant secondary metabolites such as polyphenols or vitamins. In this review, we summarize the existing in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data from published studies addressing the optimization of bioavailability of stilbenoids. Stilbenoids face low bioavailability due to their chemical structure. This can be improved by the use of novel drug delivery systems or enhancers, which are discussed in this review. Current in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that both approaches are very promising and increase the absorption of the original substance by several times. However, data from more clinical trials are required.

Scavenging Properties of Plant-Derived Natural Biomolecule Para-Coumaric Acid in the Prevention of Oxidative Stress-Induced Diseases.

Para-coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant derived secondary metabolite belonging to the phenolic compounds. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and found mainly in fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have revealed its scavenging and antioxidative properties in the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. This evidence-based review focuses on the protective role of p-CA including its therapeutic potential. p-CA and its conjugates possesses various bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-melanogenic properties. Due to its potent free radical scavenging activity, it can mitigate the ill effects of various diseases including arthritis, neurological disorders, and cardio-vascular diseases. Recent studies have revealed that p-CA can ameliorate the harmful effects associated with oxidative stress in the reproductive system, also by inhibiting enzymes linked with erectile function.

Physiological and Immune Functions of Punicalagin.

The aim of this publication is to compile a summary of the findings regarding punicalagin in various tissues described thus far in the literature, with an emphasis on the effect of this substance on immune reactions. Punicalagin (PUN) is an ellagitannin found in the peel of pomegranate (Punica granatum). It is a polyphenol with proven antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and chemopreventive activities, antiproliferative activity against tumor cells; it inhibits inflammatory pathways and the action of toxic substances, and is highly tolerated. This work describes the source, metabolism, functions and effects of punicalagin, its derivatives and metabolites. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are described.

Consumption of bitter apricot seeds affects lipid and endocrine profile in women.

Natural products have been attracting increasing attention in human diet, both due to the possible negative effects of synthetic food additives on human health and the increased consumer perception. Apricot seeds contain a wide variety of bioactive components and their consumption is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of consumption of bitter apricot seeds on blood lipid and endocrine profile in Slovak women (n = 18, 41.60 ± 11.28 years) of reproductive age. Volunteers consumed 60 mg.kg-1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds divided into 8-12 doses daily for 42 days. During the experiment, three blood collections were carried out (at the beginning of the experiment - day 0, and after 21 and 42 days of consumption apricot seeds). Lipid profile was measured in terms of - total cholesterol (T-C, enzymatic photometric method), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C, calculated using the Friedewald equation), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C, direct clearance method), triglycerides (TG, enzymatic colorimetric method) whereas endocrine profile - follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), 17ß-estradiol (E2), testosterone, and androstenedione was assessed by ELISA. The blood levels of T-C, HDL-C and T-C did not change significantly (P > 0.05), however, the level of LDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after 42 days. On the other hand, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase of T-C and TG after 21 days. The blood level of FSH, testosterone and androstenedione increased significantly (P < 0.05) although the levels of LH, PRL, P4 and E2 did not change (P > 0.05) after 42 days. The level of PRL and testosterone significantly (P < 0.05) increased and E2 significantly decreased after 21 days of apricot seeds consumption. The study suggests that daily consumption of apricot seeds may affect plasma lipid and endocrine profile in women of reproductive age.

Cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin influences functions of human osteoblasts in vitro.

Amygdalin has been promoted as an alternative cancer cure. However, it is still unclear how this cyanogenic glycoside affects non-cancer cells including bone cells. This study first investigated the impact of amygdalin on viability, morphology and expression of important genes in human osteoblasts in vitro. Primary human osteoblast cultures were exposed to amygdalin at concentrations 0; 0.1; 1 and 10 mg/mL in growth medium for 72 h. Cell viability, osteoblasts morphology and expression of 10 genes associated with osteoblast-specific pathways, oxidative stress and cell death were determined. Osteoblasts viability was significantly decreased (-27.26%) and their size was reduced (-23.20%) at the highest concentration of amygdalin (10 mg/mL). This concentration of amygdalin down-regulated the expression of COL1A1 and ALPL genes, whereas the expression of BGLAP, TNFSF11 and WNT5A genes was increased. The osteoblast cultivation with 0.1 mg/mL amygdalin caused down-regulation of COL1A1 gene. No changes in expression were determined for RUNX2, BAX, CASP1, SOD1 and GPX1 genes among all tested concentrations of amygdalin. In conclusion, amygdalin in a high concentration negatively affected mineralization of extracellular matrix, increased bone resorption and decreased osteoblast viability. These changes were accompanied by modified expression profiles of responsible genes.

Long-term peroral administration of bitter apricot seeds influences cortical bone microstructure of rabbits.

Apricot seeds due to the presence of cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin belong to the popular "alternative cancer cures", although anticancer effect of amygdalin remains controversial. This in vivo study points to the effect of long-term peroral administration of bitter apricot seeds on bone microstructure of rabbits since chronic amygdalin toxicity in relation to bone parameters has not been investigated yet. Rabbits (n = 16) were randomly divided into four experimental groups of 4 animals each. Three experimental groups S1, S2 and S3 received commercial feed for rabbits mixed with crushed bitter apricot seeds at doses 60, 300 and 420 mg/kg bw during five months, respectively. The control (C) group received no apricot seeds. The long-term consumption of apricot seeds had no impact on total body weight, femoral weight and femoral length of rabbits. Also, microcomputed tomography (3D analysis) of cortical and trabecular bone tissues did not reveal any significant impact of amygdalin toxicity on relative bone volume, BMD, cortical bone thickness, bone surface, trabecular number, thickness, and their separation. On the other hand, histological (2D) analysis demonstrated evident changes in cortical bone microstructure consistent with a decreased density of secondary osteons in the middle part of substantia compacta due to a replacement of Haversian bone tissue by plexiform bone tissue, vasoconstriction in the primary osteons' vascular canals, Haversian canals, and decreased sizes of secondary osteons in rabbits from S1, S2 and S3 groups. These negative changes are associated with different vascularization and biomechanical properties of cortical bones.

In vitro response of human ovarian cancer cells to dietary bioflavonoid isoquercitrin.

Isoquercitrin is a dietary bioflavonoid used as a food supplement. We studied the mechanism underlying its effect in human ovarian cancer cells using OVCAR-3 cell line. Viability, survival, apoptosis, release of human transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and TGF-ß1 receptor, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by OVCAR-3 cells were examined after isoquercitrin treatment at concentrations 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 µg mL-1. AlamarBlue assay revealed that isoquercitrin did not cause any significant change (P > 0.05) in cell viability as compared to control. Apoptotic assay using flow cytometry did not find any significant change (P > 0.05) in the proportion of live, dead and apoptotic cells as compared to control. ELISA also showed that the release of human TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß1 receptor were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by isoquercitrin as compared to control. Chemiluminescence assay demonstrated that lower concentrations (5, 10, and 25 µg mL-1) were able to exhibit beneficial effects by inhibiting the generation of intracellular ROS. In contrast, elevated concentrations of 50 and 100 µg mL-1 led to oxidative stress (P < 0.05). We concluded that the beneficial effect of isoquercitrin on ovarian cancer cells may be mediated by an antioxidative pathway that involves inhibition of intracellular ROS generation, thereby limiting oxidative stress.

Dietary bioflavonoid quercetin modulates porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions in vitro.

Quercetin is a dietary bioflavonoid used widely as a food supplement and is generally recognized as safe. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the steroid hormone (progesterone and 17- ß estradiol) release, proliferation (PCNA and cyclin B1) and apoptosis (caspase 3 and p53) of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after the addition of quercetin at concentrations 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 µmol L-1. Progesterone release was stimulated at the concentration 10 µmol L-1. Quercetin neither had any impact on 17-ß estradiol secretion nor on the presence of PCNA. However, a significant enhancement of the occurrence of cyclin B1 was noted except for the lowest concentration 0.01 µmol L-1. Quercetin did not have any influence on the number of granulosa cells containing caspase 3, but at the concentration 10 µmol L-1 it inhibited p53 occurrence. Results confirm the safety of quercetin in porcine ovarian granulosa cell model and further suggest its possible concentration-dependent influence on ovarian functions through pathway that may involve progesterone, cyclin B1 and p53.

Potential toxicity of cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin and bitter apricot seed in rabbits-Health status evaluation.

Amygdalin is one of the most studied secondary metabolites of Prunus genus. It is a cyanogenic glycoside which was initially obtained from the bitter almonds seeds and is a major component of the seeds of plants, such as apricots, almonds, peaches, apples and other rosaceous plants. The views of scientists on the use of amygdalin have been contradictory for many years, partly because toxicokinetics and metabolism of amygdalin still have not been adequately explored. The present in vivo study was designed to reveal whether pure amygdalin intramuscularly injected or apricot seeds oral consumption induce changes in overall health status of rabbit as a biological model. A total of 60 adult rabbits were randomly divided into five groups. The control group received no amygdalin while the two experimental groups E1 and E2 received a daily intramuscular injection of amygdalin at doses 0.6 and 3.0 mg/kg bw. The experimental groups E3 and E4 were fed crushed bitter apricot seeds (Prunus armeniaca L.), at doses 60 and 300 mg/kg bw, mixed with commercial feed for rabbits. Blood collection was carried out after 14 days. Biochemical, haematological and antioxidant enzymes activity analysis were performed and statistically evaluated. A short-term amygdalin administration had negligible impact on biochemical parameters-mainly level of urea, bilirubin, cholesterol. Haematological profile of rabbits was influenced very slightly-non-significant platelet count and platelet percentage increase, erythrocytes count and haemoglobin decrease. SOD activity of rabbits decreased significantly (p > 0.05) after apricot seeds consumption (102.3 U/ml) in comparison to control (117.4 U/ml). Differences might be connected to diverse metabolism by different administration routes and at the same time by the presence of other substances in apricot seeds (phytosterols, polyphenols, fatty acids). However, a short-term consumption had only slight effect on health status of rabbits and at recommended doses did not represent risk for their health.

Green tea extract affects porcine ovarian cell apoptosis.

Green tea is a commonly used beverage and green tea extract is a common dietary herbal supplement manufactured into different over-the-counter products. The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the steroid hormone secretion (progesterone and 17-ß estradiol), proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after addition of green tea extract. Granulosa cells were incubated with green tea extract at five doses (0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 200 µg/ml) and the release of hormones by granulosa cells was assessed by EIA after 24 h exposure. The presence of proliferation and apoptotic markers was assessed by immunocytochemistry. Secretion of steroid hormones was not affected by green tea extract at all the doses in comparison to control. Also, markers of proliferation (PCNA and cyclin B1) were not affected by green tea extract. However, the highest dose (200 µg/ml) of green tea extract used in this study increased the accumulation of apoptotic markers caspase-3 and p53 in granulosa cells. In conclusion, our results indicate the impact of green tea extract at the highest dose used in this study on ovarian apoptosis through pathway that includes activation of caspase-3 and p53. Potential stimulation of these intracellular regulators could induce the process of apoptosis in ovarian cells.

The influence of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on steroid hormone production by porcine ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.

Fusarium mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) are frequently occurring in feed of pigs together. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible in vitro effects of DON and ZEA, alone or their combination on steroid secretion of porcine ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). A species-specific model with porcine ovarian GCs was used to study the potential endocrine disrupting effects of DON and ZEA alone and in co-exposure. Progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results of this study demonstrate that DON alone at the higher concentrations may act to stimulate P4 (at 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 ng mL-1 but not 10 and 100 ng mL-1) and E2 (at 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 ng mL-1 but not 10, 100 and 1000 ng mL-1) secretion. The effects of ZEA on P4 and E2 secretion were not confirmed. DON in combination with the other fusariotoxin ZEA may impair steroidogenesis. Results aslo demonstrate different toxicological effects of fusariotoxins on follicle stimulating hormone-induced secretion of P4 and E2. All these results taken together suggest that fusariotoxin and their interactions can impact ovarian steroidogenesis, thereby demonstrating their potential reproductive effects in pigs.