Cardioprotective Effect of Pistacia vera L. (Green Pistachio) Hull Extract in Wistar Albino Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Damage.

BACKGROUND: Pistacia vera L. (green pistachio) has been shown to increase antioxidant capacity and protect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This study investigated the protective effect of the Pistacia vera L. hull in rats with experimental cardiac damage induced by doxorubicin. METHODS: Sixty adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 12). Sham, doxorubicin, doxorubicin + Pistacia vera L. extract 50 mg/kg, doxorubicin + Pistacia vera L. extract 100 mg/kg, and Pistacia vera L. extract 100 mg/kg. Biochemistry parameters, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine, and caspase 3/7 values were measured in serum samples. Excised heart tissues were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: The groups were statistically significantly different in 8hydroxydeoxy guanosine, caspase 3/7, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, and basal biochemical parameter values (P <.05, P <.001). In group II, 8-hydroxydeoxy guanosine, caspase 3/7, and total oxidant status values increased while the total antioxidant status value decreased (P <.001). In the treatment groups (group III and group IV), 8-hydroxydeoxy guano sine and caspase 3/7 values decreased compared to group II (P < .001). While total oxidant status and oxidative stress index values decreased in the treatment groups, total antioxidant status values increased (P <.001). The histopathological examination of the heart revealed fewer areas of focal necrosis in the treatment groups compared to group II. CONCLUSION: In this study, the cardioprotective effect of Pistacia vera L. hull extract was investigated in vivo. It was shown that Pistacia vera L. hull extract reduced apoptosis and deoxyribonucleic acid damage in the face of cardiac damage and had antioxidant activity. Future studies will increase our knowledge on this subject.

Potential Protective Effects of Ruta Chalepensis L. Extracts Against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Reduction on Apoptotic, DNA Damage and Oxidative Stress Markers in Mice.

In this study, the protective effects of Ruta chalepensis L. extracts on the extent of tissue damage in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity have been investigated. Ruta chalepensis L. extracts were prepared by subcritical water and ultrasound-assisted organic solvent extraction methods. Protective activity of Ruta chalepensis L. extracts on Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity is investigated by apoptotic, DNA damage, oxidative stress markers and evaluating histopathological in kidney tissue of mice. Gentamicin significantly increased Caspase-3 and -8 activities, NO levels, serum creatinine and BUN, while 8-OHdG and MDA levels were significantly decreased with Ruta chalepensis L. extract treatment. In addition, Ruta chalepensis L. extracts treatment significantly increased CAT and SOD activities. Histopathological alterations in Gentamicin group were significantly diminished by application of Ruta chalepensis L. extracts. These results suggest that treatment with Ruta chalepensis L. extracts may ameliorate renal dysfunction and structural damage through the reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the kidney.

Effects of Nigella sativa and albendazole alone and in combination in Toxocara canis infected mice.

OBJECTIVE: Nigella sativa extract has been used in the Middle East as a traditional medicine for several complaints. We aimed to evaluate the biochemical, histopathological and hematologic changes in Toxocara canis-infected mice after treatment with Nigella sativa extract, albendazole or a combination of both. METHODS: This comparative study was conducted between June and July 2008 at the Itarran University Saniturla Turkey. Sixty healthy adult BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into six groups (D0-D5). Mice in groups D1-D5 received 500 embryonated T. canis eggs via esophageal tube. Groups DO and D1 served as a non-infected sham group and an infected control group, respectively. Groups D2 and D3 received 100 and 200 mg/kg N. sativa extract (NSE), respectively. Group D4 received 100 mg/kg albendazole. Group D5 received the combination dose (100+100 mg/kg NSE+albendazole). RESULTS: Treatment with N. sativa of both doses or the combination dose of N. sativa and albendazole reduced the degree of inflammation and necrosis, lead to a reduction in the percentage of eosinophils and decreased the elevated liver enzyme levels. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that N. sativa has a potent effect in protection against organ damage induced by T. canis infection.