effects of acute and chronic immobilization stress and aloe vera extract on serum levels of TSH, T3 and T4 in male rats

Stress has different effects on the body and endocrine system. The main aim of this study is to determine the effects of immobilization stress and Aloe vera extract on levels of TSH, T3 or T4 in male rats. In this experimental study, 90 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of control, receiving normal saline, receiving Aloe vera extract, acutely immobilized [8 h/day immobilization for 8 days], chronically immobilized [2 h/day immobilization for 21 days] acutely immobilized receiving Aloe vera extract, chronically immobilized receiving Aloe vera extract, acutely immobilized receiving normal saline and chronically immobilized receiving normal saline [n = 10]. Blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method and hormone levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence [ECL] method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared among groups using ANOVA. Results showed that levels of T3 and T4 were significantly increased in rats enduring acute immobilization stress compared with animals in control group [P = 0.001]. Serum T3 and T4 were significantly decreased in Aloe vera receiving rats compared with control group [P < 0.05 or P < 0.01, respectively]. Level of T3 was significantly decreased in acutely immobilized rats receiving Aloe vera compared with control group [P = 0.001]. Level of T3 and T4 levels were significantly decreased in chronically immobilized rats receiving Aloe vera compared with control group [P < 0.05]. The findings show that acute immobilization enhances levels of T3, T4 and TSH and the use of Aloe vera extract can prevent this kind of increase

effects of co-administration of immobilization stress and aloe vera on serum carcinoembryonic antigen in rats

Immobilization has been used extensively and accepted widely for studying stress-induced alterations. To determine the protective effects of Aloe vera leaf extract, we evaluated the effects of co-administration of immobilization stress and Aloe vera leaf extract on serum level of carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA] tumor marker in male rats. In this experimental study, 45 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 9 groups of 5 rats in each including: 1] control, 2] normal saline receiving, 3] Aloe vera extract receiving, 4] acutely immobilized, 5] chronically immobilized, 6] acutely immobilized+Aloe vera extract, 7] chronically immobilized+Aloe vera extract, 8] acutely immobilized+normal saline and 9] chronically immobilized + normal saline. The animals were exposed to chronic or acute immobilization stress for 2 h/day or 8 h/day for a period of 3 weeks or one week, respectively. Aloe vera extract [300 mg/kg/day] was fed by gavage feeding orally. Blood samples were collected and following serum collection, CEA level was determined by radioimmunoassay method. Data were compared statistically between groups using ANOVA. Serum CEA level was significantly increased in acutely [0.640 +/- 0.025 ng/mL] or chronically immobilized [0.647 +/- 0.023 ng/mL] rats compared with control animals group [0.564 +/- 0.014 ng/mL] [p<0.001]. However, there was no significant difference between serum CEA levels of acutely or chronically immobilized Aloe vera extract received animals compared with control rats [0.622 +/- 0.027 ng/m and 0.616 +/- 0.044 ng/mL, respectively]. Our findings indicate that immobilization stress enhances serum CEA level, however, intake of Aloe vera extract can withstand against

[ effects of waterpipe smoke and darkness stress on serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels in female rats]

There is an association between life style and serum levels of certain enzymes. This study aims to determine the effects of waterpipe smoke and darkness stress on serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase in female rats. In this experimental study, female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, waterpipe smoke receiving, under darkness stress and both under darkness stress and warerpipe smoke receiving groups of 7 rats in each. Waterpipe smoke receiving rats were exposed to waterpipe smoke for 100 min/day and animals under darkness stress exposed to 5 hours darkness during the day. Under darkness stress and warerpipe smoke receiving animals were exposed to both waterpipe smoke for 100 min/day and 5 hours darkness during the day. After 7 weeks, blood samples were collected and serum alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels were measured by spectrophotometry. The data were analysed using ANOVA. The serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels significantly increased in waterpipe smoke receiving, under darkness stress and both under darkness stress and waterpipe smoke receiving rats compared to control animals [p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively]. Also there was significant difference in creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels between waterpipe smoke receiving and under darkness stress rats [p<0.001 and p<0.05, respectively]. The serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly higher in waterpipe smoke receving rats compared to under darkness stress animlas [p<0.001and p<0.05, respectively]. Our findings indicated that waterpipe smoke and darkness stress lead to increased serum levels of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase; according to which, these factors can impose serious pathophysiological effects on internal organs including heart, brain, liver or muscles

[ effects of smoke of waterpipe and immobilization stress on serum level of CEA in female rats]

Studies have indicated that serum level of tumor markers is influenced by several factors. This study was carried out aimed at evaluating the effects of smoke of waterpipe and immobilization stress and on the serum level of CEA in female rats. In this study, 20 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 5 each: 1- control group; 2 waterpipe smoke receiving group; 3- under immobilization; 4- waterpipe smoke receiving and immobilized. Waterpipe smoke was given 10 times a day during 10-min periods with 5-min resting time, and chronic immobilization was performed for 2 periods of 2 h daily with 2 h resting time between the periods, and. After 7 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture technique, and then, serum level of CEA was measured by radioimmunoassay technique. The data were compared between groups by analysis of variance at p=0.001 significance level. The serum level of CEA significantly increased in waterpipe smoking and also immobilized rats as well as rats under both intervention compared to the control group [p<0.001]. Also, there was a significant difference in serum CEA level between waterpipe smoking and immobilized rats [p<0.001]. On the other hand, there was significant difference in CEA level in rats under both interventions and the two latter groups [p<0.001]. The findings of this study revealed that waterpipe smoking and immobilization stress can cause a sharp increase in the serum level of CEA

effects of Salvia officinalis extract on serum level of CEA in male rats

There are few studies indicating the association of Salvia officinalis extract with tumor markers. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of Salvia officinalis extract on serum level of CEA [Carcinogenic embryonic antigen] in male rats. In this laboratory experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, normal saline or Salvia officinalis extract [100 or 200 mg/kg/body weight] receiving animals of 5 in each group. After 7 weeks blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, CEA level was measured by radioimmunoassay method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. The results indicated that serum CEA level was significantly decreased in rats receiving Salvia officinalis extract [200mg/kg/body weight] compared with control animals [P<0.05], however, CEA serum level was not significantly changed in rats receiving l00mg/kg/body weight of extract compared to control animals Our findings show that appropriate dose of Salvia officinalis extract can decrease serum level of CEA, on which medicinal application of this extract particularly in cancers accompanied by CEA increased serum level is conceivable

[ comparison between the effects of cigarette and waterpipe smoke on serum level of TSH, T3 and T4 in male rats]

Studies show that smoking can influence endocrinological functions of thyroid gland. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of cigarette and waterpipe smoke on serum level of TSH, T3 and T4 in male rats. In this laboratory experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, cigarette, and waterpipe smoking animals of 5 in each group. After 6 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, levels of TSH, T3 and T4 were measured by radioimmunoassay method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. The results indicated that serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly increased in cigarette smoking rats compared with control animals [p<0.001 and p<0.01 respectively]. Serum levels of T3 and T4 were also increased in waterpipe smoking rats compared with control animals [p<0.01]. Serum level of TSH was insignificantly decreased in cigarette and increased in waterpipe smoking rats, respectively. Our findings show that cigarette or waterpipe smoking enhances endocrinilogical function of thyroid gland appeared in increased serum level of T3 and T4; therefore, the effects of cigarette and waterpipe smoke on hyperthyroidism induction is important

[ effects of immobilization stress and Aloe vera aqueous extract on serum levels of SCOT and SGPT in male rats]

Studies show that there are relations between various types of stress and liver function. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of immobilization stress and Aloe vera extract on serum level of Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase [SGPT] and Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase [SGOT] in male rats. In this laboratory experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, Aloe vera extract or normal saline receiving, under acute or chronic immobilization animals of 5 in each group. After 6 weeks blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, SGOT or SGPT level was measured by spectrophotometry method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. Serum SGOT level was significantly increased in rats enduring acute or chronic immobilization animals compared with control rats [p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively]. Serum level of SGOT level was significantly increased [p<0.01] and of SGPT was significantly decreased [P<0.01] in extract receiving animals compared with control rats [p<0.001]. Our findings indicate that immobilization and Aloe vera extract is serum SGOT enhancer. In this respect, in clinical considerations, pathological effects of immobilization or Aloe vera intake is important in the field of SGOT biochemical alteration

[ effects of salvia officinalis extract on serum level of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase in male rats]

Studies show that there is association between Salvia officinalis extract administration and liver and heart functions. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of Salvia officinalis extract on serum level of creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase in male rats. In this laboratory experimental study, male wistar rats were randomly divided into control, normal saline receiving and Salvia officinalis extract [100, 150 or 200 mg/kg/day] receiving animals of 5 in each group. After a period of 6 weeks, blood samples were collected using cardiac puncture method. Following serum collection, serum creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured by spectrophotometry method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. The results indicated that serum creatine kinase level was significantly decreased in rats receiving Salvia officinalis extract [100 mg/kg/day] compared with control animals [p<0.001]. However, daily administration of Salvia officinalis extract [150 or 200 mg/kg] could not significantly change serum creatine kinase level. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased in animals receiving Salvia officinalis extract [100, 150 or 200 mg/kg/day] as compared with control rats. Our findings show that Salvia officinalis extract is enhancer of serum alkaline phosphatase and daily administration of the extract is serum creatine kinase reducer. However, such effect is dose dependent, according to which, repairing or impairing effect of the extract on certain tissues is conceivable

[Effects of decreased serum estradiol or progesterone level on thermal pain threshold in female rats]

Various studies indicate that gonadal hormones exert modulatory effects on pain threshold. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of estradiol or progesterone in the response by female rats to thermal nociceptive stimulation. In this laboratory experimental study, thirty 7 week old albino [Wistar] rats were randomly divided into control, sham and ovariectomised groups of 10 each. After 10, 20 or 40 days thermal pain threshold was measured through tail immersion test [55[degree sign]C water bath]. The pain threshold was measured as the time required eliciting a flick of the tail which was called analgesia time. Serum estradiol, progesterone or prolactin levels were also simultaneously measured by radioimmunoassay method. Data were statistically analyzed and compared between groups using ANOVA. There was no significant change in serum estradiol or progesterone levels as well as analgesia time 10 days after ovariectomy; however, a significant decrease was observed 20 or 40 days after operation compared with control female rats [p<0.001, p<0.05 or p<0.001, respectively]. Also there was no significant change in serum prolactin level 10 or 20 days after ovariectomy compared with control rats; however, a significant decrease was observed 40 days compared with 20 days after ovariectomy [p<0.05]. Our findings clearly indicate that depletion of female gonadal hormones 20 or 40 days after ovariectomy modulates the pain-induced behavioral responses related to thermal nociception in female animals

[Effects of uni- and bi-lateral gonadectomy and administration of estradiol, progesterone and testosterone with pancreatic -cell KATP channels blocker or opener on insulin sensitivity in rats]

Background and aim: the effects of sex steroid hormones on insulin secretion and sensitivity is important for related disorders treatment. Therefore, the main purpose of the present study was to clarify the effects of sex hormones on insulin sensitivity in rats. Due to the role of pancreatic b-cells' ATP-sensitive K+ [KATP] channels in insulin secretion, the effects of the hormones on pancreatic KATP channels were also studied

Method: diazoxide [30mg/kg/day] or verapamil [100mg/kg/day] were used as pancreatic b-cells' KATP channels opener and blocker, respectively. Testosterone [50 mg/kg/day] as replacement dose in bi-orchiectomized rats and 10 mg/kg/day in intact male animals and progesterone [20 mg/kg/day] and estradiol [200 [micro]g/kg/day] in female rats were also used. Male rats were divided into nine groups consisting of: control, uni-and bi-orchiectomized, testosterone receiving bi-orchiectomized, testosterone receiving intact rats, diazoxide or verapamil and testosterone plus diazoxide or verapamil receiving animals. Female rats were divided into control, uni-and bi-ovariectomized, progesterone or estradiol receiving bi-ovariectomized and progesterone, estradiol, diazoxide or verapamil receiving and progesterone plus diazoxide or verapamil receiving animals. After 4 weeks, serum glucose and insulin were measured and insulin sensitivity [glucose/insulin ratio] was compared statistically between the groups

Results: in the male rats, bi-orchiectomy, and diazoxide or diazoxide plus testosterone treatments increased insulin sensitivity but uni-orchiectomy, testosterone, verapamil or testosterone plus verapamil treatments decreased insulin sensitivity. In the female rats, uni- and bi-ovariectomy, progesterone, diazoxide or progesterone plus diazoxide or verapamil, treatments increased insulin sensitivity but estradiol or verapamil treatments resulted in the decrease of insulin sensitivity

Conclusion: testosterone and estradiol were insulin sensitivity reducers but ovariectomy, bi-orchiectomy and progesterone were insulin sensitivity enhancer in rats. Presumably testosterone was not contributed in closing or opening of pancreatic b-cell KATP channels but progesterone influenced insulin sensitivity by its inhibitory effect on pancreatic KATP channels