Effects of dietary supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil on expression of genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cumin essential oil (CEO) supplementation on levels of certain gene expression related to antioxidant, apoptotic, detoxific, and heat shock mechanisms in the breast meat and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The study was conducted on a 2 × 6 factorial design (heat stress + feed additive) on 600 day-old male broiler chicks for a period of 42 days. From day 7 to 42, although broilers in heat stress groups (HT) were exposed to constant chronic heat stress (36 °C), others were housed at thermoneutral ambient temperature (TN). The chicks in both conditions were fed with 6 experimental diets: C0 (basal diet with no additive), ANTIB (basal diet + 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol), VITE (basal diet + 50 IU α-tocopherol), C2 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg CEO), C4 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg CEO), C6 (basal diet+ 600 mg/kg CEO). The results showed that heat stress upregulated (except for Bcl-2) the genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism. However, cumin essential oil increased the dose-dependently positive effect on certain genes in tissues of the heat-stressed broilers and downregulated (except for Bcl-2) these genes.

Effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and chronic heat stress on growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum biochemistry, antioxidant enzyme activity, and intestinal microbiology in broiler chickens.

This study was conducted on 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks, using a 2 × 6 factorial design (ambient temperature, A x feed additive, F), for a period of 42 days. The chicks assigned to different groups were exposed to thermoneutral (TN, 24 ± 1 °C) and constant heat stress (HT, 36 ± 1 °C) conditions, and were only fed on a basal diet, and a basal diet supplemented with either 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol, 50 IU/kg α-tocopherol, or 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of cumin essential oil (CEO). The results showed that heat stress adversely affected performance and carcass characteristics, and increased both the mortality rate and footpad lesions. Moreover, constant chronic heat stress showed negative effects on serum biochemistry and the intestinal microbiota, increased antioxidant activity in both the plasma and breast meat, and increased counts of the pathogenic microorganisms in the small intestine. On the other hand, dietary CEO supplementation positively affected these parameters. CEO had a slight effect on performance, carcass characteristics, mortality rate and the incidence of footpad lesions. When compared to the control group, it was determined that CEO generally had a positive effect on lipid peroxidation in the plasma and tissues and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, CEO positively affected serum biochemistry and counts of beneficial microorganisms in the small intestine.

The effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and Ankaferd Blood Stopper on the diabetic and nondiabetic gingival wound healing: an experimental study

Background/aim: Healthy wound healing is very important for patient comfort. Diabetes is one of the factors that negatively affect wound healing. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) are antiinflammatory and antimicrobial agents and may have positive effects on wound healing. Materials and methods: In this study, 72 male Wistar albino rats were used. Rats; control, CAPE, ABS, diabetes + control, diabetes + ABS and diabetes + CAPE groups were divided into 6 groups. A healthy 36 rats created diabetes using streptozotocin (STZ). A gingival wound was created using a 4-mm punch biopsy in the gingival tissue under the lower anterior incisors of the rats. Results: The comparison between the nondiabetic groups had a statistically significant positive effect compared to the control group of CAPE and ABS (P ˂ 0.05). In the comparison between ABS and diabetes + ABS groups and in the comparison between CAPE and diabetes + CAPE groups, a decrease in vascularization in diabetes + CAPE groups was observed and it was statistically significant (P ˂ 0.005). Conclusion: ABS and CAPE have been found to have positive effects on gingival wound healing in the nondiabetic group. We think that this situation is caused by its antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

An evaluation of the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and Ankaferd blood stopper on secondary wound healing of oral mucosal tissue

Background/aim: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) are considered to contribute to wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ABS and CAPE on secondary wound healing of oral mucosal tissue. Materials and methods: In total, 63 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into three groups and anaesthetized with ketamine (8 mg/100 g, intraperitoneally): a control group, CAPE group, and ABS group. A full-thickness excisional wound was created using a 4 mm punch biopsy tool. Topical ABS and CAPE were then applied in each group for 7, 14, and 21 days (n = 7 in each group). The animals in each group were sacrificed after 7, 14, and 21 days. Palatal specimens were stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumour necrosis factor-inducible gene 6 (TSG-6) protein expressions were determined using the Western blot method. Results: Inflammation, vessel dilatation, and haemorrhages were significantly lower in the CAPE group as compared with these parameters in the other groups (P < 0.05). Fibrosis was significantly higher in the ABS group as compared with that in the other groups (P < 0.05). VEGF protein levels were elevated in the 21-day CAPE group and 7-day ABS group. The expression of TSG-6 increased in the 7-day CAPE group and 21-day ABS group. Conclusion: Based on our findings, ABS and CAPE had positive effects on the oral wound healing process.

Crocin protects intestine tissue against carbon tetrachloride-mediated oxidative stress in rats.

Saffron is used in traditional medicine for its hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties as a natural remedy in treatment of diseases. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the protective effect of crocin (one of the main ingredients of saffron) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) damage in intestinal mucosa. MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, TAS and TOS levels were measured in experimental animal tissue samples and these were compared with histologic lesions induced by CCl4. CCl4 caused an increase in MDA, SOD, CAT and TOS levels and a significant decrease in GSH and TAS levels in rat intestinal tracts. After crocin treatment, serious improvements were observed in histological lesions and biochemical results in the intestinal tract. In conclusion, crocin inhibited the toxic effects induced by CCl4 in the intestine by its strong antioxidant properties.

Melatonin preserves ovarian tissues of rats exposed to chronic TCDD: An electron microscopic approach to effects of TCDD on ovarian cells.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) is a toxic agent and has disruptive effects on reproductive tissues in females. TCDD disrupts the hormonal regulation of the body and decreases the production of melatonin. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of melatonin supplements against the toxic effects of TCDD on ovaries of female rats. TCDD caused a significant decrease in the average number of corpora lutea and follicles per tissue section (2.1 ± 0.7; 2.3 ± 0.8, respectively), whereas these numbers were maintained in the melatonin supplemented group (5.0 ± 0.8; 5.1 ± 0.8, respectively) and were similar to the control group (5.3 ± 1.0; 5.9 ± 0.9, respectively). Electron microscopic analysis showed that the disruption of ultrastructure components such as cell membrane and organelles due to TCDD exposure was inhibited by melatonin supplements. This study suggested that melatonin has a protective and a possible ameliorative effect over histopathological damage of rat ovaries exposed to TCDD.

Protective role of intratympanic nigella sativa oil against gentamicin induced hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: Aminoglycosides, used to combat with life-threatening infections, have a substantial risk of hearing loss. Nigella sativa is an annual herbaceous plant and used for treatment of many diseases for ages. We aimed to investigate the protective role of intratympanic nigella sativa oil against gentamicin induced hearing loss in an animal model. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty eight guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: i-control, ii- Intratympanic nigella sativa oil (IT-NSO), iii- Intraperitoneal gentamicin (IP-G) and iv- Intraperitoneal gentamicin and intratympanic nigella sativa oil (IP-G + IT-NSO). Preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds were determined with auditory brainstem response with click and 8 kHz tone-burst stimuli. Histological analysis of the cochlea specimens were performed under light microscope. Semiquantitative grading of the histological findings was carried out and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Highest posttreatment hearing thresholds were detected in IP-G group. Posttreatment mean hearing threshold of the IP-G group with click stimulus was significantly higher than the IP-G + IT-NSO group (p = 0.004). whereas the difference was not significant with 8 kHz tone-burst stimulus (p = 0.137). Both IP-G and IP-G + IT-NSO groups had significantly higher hearing thresholds compared to control and IT-NSO groups (p > 0.05). Histological examination of the control and IT-NSO groups demonstrated normal appearance of cochlear nerve, stria vascularis and organ of Corti. IP-G group showed the most severe histological alterations including hydropic and vacuolar degenerations, hair cell damage and deformation of the basilar mambrane. Histological evidence of damage was significantly reduced in IP-G + IT-NSO group compared to IP-G group. CONCLUSION: Addition of intratympanic NSO to systemic gentamicin was demonstrated to have beneficial effects in hearing thresholds which was supported by histological findings.

Dietary arginine silicate inositol complex increased bone healing: histologic and histomorphometric study.

BACKGROUND: Arginine silicate inositol complex (ASI; arginine 49.5%, silicon 8.2%, and inositol 25%) is a novel material that is a bioavailable source of silicon and arginine. ASI offers potential benefits for vascular and bone health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of ASI complex on bone healing of critical-sized defects in rats. METHODS: The rats were randomly assigned to two groups of 21 rats each. The control group was fed a standard diet for 12 weeks; after the first 8 weeks, a calvarial critical-sized defect was created, and the rats were sacrificed 7, 14, and 28 days later. The ASI group was fed a diet containing 1.81 g/kg of ASI for 12 weeks; after the first 8 weeks, a calvarial critical-sized defect was created, and the rats were sacrificed 7, 14, and 28 days later. The calvarial bones of all the rats were then harvested for evaluation. RESULTS: Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were detected at higher levels in the ASI group compared with the control group at days 7, 14, and 28 of the calvarial defect (P<0.05). New bone formation was detected at higher levels in the ASI group compared with the controls at day 28 (P<0.05). However, new bone formation was not detected at days 7 and 14 in both the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: ASI supplementation significantly improved bone tissue healing in rats with critical-sized defects. This study demonstrated that ASI can enhance bone repair and has potential as a therapeutic regimen in humans.

Bone regeneration by low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy in the rabbit calvarium.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), alone and in combination, in triggering new bone formation. STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were given two calvarial defects by using a 6-mm trephine bur, then divided into four treatment groups: control, LLLT, LIPUS, and LLLT+LIPUS. The LLLT and LIPUS groups were treated three times a week for two weeks. The LLLT+LIPUS group received each treatment on the same day, 12h apart, three days a week for two weeks. The animals were sacrificed after three weeks. RESULTS: LLLT and LIPUS, alone and in combination, enhanced new bone formation in comparison to the untreated controls after three weeks (P<0.05); the combined therapy did not produce an additive effect. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the efficacy of LLLT or LIPUS in triggering bone regeneration. Therapeutic dose and duration requires further study.

Does intravenous or oral high-dose N-acetylcysteine in addition to saline prevent contrast-induced nephropathy assessed by cystatin C?

AIMS: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of intravenous (i.v.) or oral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in preventing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency undergoing intra-arterial interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 307 patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m undergoing an elective intra-arterial procedure. Patients were assigned randomly to three groups according to the prophylactic regimen used. In group 1, patients were administered an i.v. infusion of 0.9% saline (n=103); in group 2, patients were administered oral NAC in addition to an i.v. saline infusion (n=102); and in group 3, patients were administered i.v. NAC in addition to an i.v. saline infusion (n=102). Serum creatinine (SCr) and cystatin C levels were measured at baseline and 4, 24, and 48 h after the application of contrast media. The primary endpoint was defined as an increase in the SCr or cystatin C concentration of at least 0.5 mg/dl and/or of at least 25% from the baseline value at 48 h after administration of the contrast dye. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SCr-based CIN was 11.1%: 6.8% in the saline group, 13.7% in the oral NAC group, and 12.7% in the i.v. NAC group (P=0.231). That of cystatin C-based CIN was 8.1%: 6.8% in the saline group, 6.9% in the oral NAC group, and 10.8% in the i.v. NAC group (P=0.491). CONCLUSION: In this study, there was no detectable benefit of either high-dose oral or i.v. NAC over an aggressive hydration protocol in patients with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency.

The effect of prenatal exposure of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug on the optic nerve of female rats: a stereological, histological, and electron microscopic study.

OBJECTIVE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can have adverse effects for in both mother and fetus following administration during the prenatal period. If given during pregnancy, diclofenac sodium (DS), an NSAID, is given during the pregnancy, may also affect the development of the central nervous system (CNS) or related structures. METHODS: Pregnant rats were separated into pure control (PG), saline (SG) and diclofenac groups (DG). A daily dose of 1 mg/kg of DS and 1 mL/kg saline was injected intraperitoneally to the DG and SG groups, respectively, from the 5th gestation day for a 15 day of period; the PG group received no treatment. After spontaneous delivery, female offspring were obtained from all groups. After the 20th week of postnatal life, the animals (n = 6 for each group) were perfused and the right optic nerves were resected. Sections were subjected to stereological and histological analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between PG, SG and DG groups with respect to myelin thickness, axonal cross-sectional area, axon numerical density, total section area of optic nerve and axon number. CONCLUSIONS: Histological and stereological results indicated that treatment with DS or saline produced undesirable effects on female rat optic nerve development and myelinization with respect to morphology.

Electrophysiological evaluation of atrioventricular conduction disturbances in transcatheter aortic valve implantation with Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis.

AIMS: Permanent pacemaker requirement is a known complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis implantation on atrioventricular conduction. METHODS: The study included 28 patients who underwent TAVI due to severe aortic valve stenosis. An electrophysiological study was performed in the catheterization room immediately before the initial balloon valvuloplasty and immediately after Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis implantation. RESULTS: His-ventricle interval was significantly prolonged postprocedure (55.9 ± 11.5 ms) vs preprocedure (47.3 ± 7.8 ms) (P<.001). The antegrade Wenckebach point was observed to be significantly prolonged postprocedure (354.4 ± 41.3 ms) vs preprocedure (333.7 ± 45.4 ms) (P=.001). Despite atrial-His interval prolongation, it was not statistically significant. After the procedure, we observed significant conduction disturbances in 3 patients (10.7%). These conduction problems recovered before discharge. One of the patients (3.6%) with right bundle branch block + left anterior fascicular block required permanent pacemaker implantation. At postprocedure electrocardiogram, QRS duration increased, QRS axis shifted to the left, and both of the values became normal before discharge. The patient's echocardiographic and clinical parameters were improved during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The effect of Edwards SAPIEN on the conduction system was mostly infranodal and temporary. The physical properties of the Edwards SAPIEN prosthesis may explain this observation. This complication may be lessened if the frame height characteristics can be improved.

Study of the neuroprotective effect of ginseng on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in experimental diffuse head trauma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of ginseng on antioxidant enzyme levels in brain damage following experimental diffuse head trauma in rats. The neuroprotective effect of ginseng was also studied. METHODS: In this study, rats were divided into four groups, and the rats in group 1 received no intervention. In group 2, the rats were administered 50 mg/kg ginseng, injected intraperitoneally at 1, 24 and 48 h, and the effect of ginseng on normal tissues was studied. No drugs were administered to the rats in group 3 who had previously experienced diffuse head trauma using Feeney's falling weight method. In group 4, rats underwent Feeney's falling weight method, leading to diffuse head trauma, and they were given 50 mg/kg ginseng intraperitoneally 1, 24 and 48 h after head trauma. Rats were killed 72 h after head trauma and their brain tissues extracted for histopathological and biochemical studies. RESULTS: Histopathological study of brain cross sections in the trauma group demonstrated neurons in the trauma region and surrounding area, which generally had a dark-colored eosinophilic cytoplasm and a pyknotic nucleus, while the nuclei of neurons were located peripherally. However, brain cross sections in group 4 from rats given ginseng after head trauma showed fewer neurons with eosinophilic cytoplasm, pyknotic and peripheral nuclei in the trauma region and surrounding area. No statistically significant difference in the tissue SOD level was observed; however, the GSH Px level in group 4 was significantly reduced compared to that in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: After affecting the GSH Px level and reducing histopathological scores, ginseng was found to display antioxidant and neuroprotective activity.

Melatonin and CAPE are able to prevent the liver from oxidative damage in rats: an ultrastructural and biochemical study.

The liver continuously produces free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of metabolic process. These free radicals are neutralized by an elaborate antioxidant defense system consisting of enzymes and numerous nonenzymatic antioxidants like flavonoids. In this study, we have evaluated effects of melatonin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) to young and aged rat liver. Aging-related hepatic changes examined by light and electron microscopy and biochemical methods. Melatonin and CAPE decreased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in aged rats. Melatonin elevated tissue glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and tGSH level, whereas CAPE elevated tissue catalase activity in aged rats. This study demonstrates that both melatonin and CAPE are beneficial in delaying age-related hepatocellular changes. Melatonin and CAPE supplementation in older ages may support liver to protect itself from various damaging agents including infectious agents and toxins.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin and phosphorus in acute mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND: In this study, using an animal model of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), we investigated the possible use of procalcitonin and phosphorus in the early diagnosis of AMI. METHODS: In this study, 21 New Zealand rabbits were used. Subjects were allocated into three groups as Control, Sham and Ischemia. No intervention was performed in the subjects in the Control group. In the subjects in the Sham and Ischemia groups, laparotomy was performed with midline incision. In the Ischemia group, the superior mesenteric artery was found and tied after laparotomy. Blood was drawn from the animals in all groups at 0, 1, 3 and 6 hours, and procalcitonin and phosphorus levels were studied in these samples. RESULTS: In the Ischemia group, the increase in the levels of serum phosphorus and procalcitonin was found to be statistically significant compared to the Control and Sham groups (p<0.05). The levels of phosphorus and procalcitonin were detected to increase from the 1st hour after ischemia onset, and the increase continued for the following 6 hours (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Phosphorus and procalcitonin may be important parameters for use in the early diagnosis and prognosis of AMI.

The effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and melatonin on age-related vascular remodeling and cardiac damage.

Oxidative stress has been implicated with cardiovascular aging. Most antioxidant intervention studies have involved long-term treatments as a potential means to eliminate age-related oxidative damage in many systems. In the present study, not only light and electron microscopic pictures of the heart and thoracic aorta of young and aged and, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and melatonin and administered aged Sprague Dawley rats, but also antioxidant system status was evaluated. Significantly elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in the heart and thoracic aorta of aged rats (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Chronic melatonin and CAPE administration significantly reduced the levels of MDA in the heart (P=0.005 and P=0.05, respectively) and thoracic aorta (P<0.001 and P<0.05, respectively) of aged animals. Additionally, melatonin and CAPE were efficient in stimulating the activities and increasing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes in the heart and aorta. Prominent electron microscopic alterations in cardiac myocytes such as nuclear irregularity, mitochondrial degeneration, myofilament disorganization and disruption, and lipofuscin accumulation were observed in aged rats. The main age-related histologic modifications observed in aorta were irregularity in endothelial cells and their nuclei, divergence of endothelial cells from basement membrane and neighboring cells, and elastic fibril fragmentation and reduction. Melatonin and CAPE obviously reduced these alterations in both heart and aorta of aged rats. Taking the results together, we suggest that supplemental administration of CAPE and melatonin is beneficial in delaying age-related cellular damage in cardiovascular system.

The ultrastructural and biochemical evidences of the beneficial effects of chronic caffeic acid phenethyl ester and melatonin administration on brain and cerebellum of aged rats.

Nervous system is highly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of age-related oxidative stress. A large body of researches has consistently confirmed the implication of free radicals both in normal cerebral ageing and ageing-related pathologies. In the present study, in addition to the light and electron microscopic pictures of brain and cerebellum of young, old and antioxidant administered old Sprague-Dawley rats, pro-oxidant status was evaluated in terms of measurements of total glutathione, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Taking the results together, we suggest that supplemental administration of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and melatonin is beneficial in delaying age-related cellular damage in nervous system.

Protective effect of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) on hepatic steatosis and damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in Wistar rats.

The present study was planned to investigate the protective effect of 10 % and 20 % apricot-containing feed on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic steatosis and damage. Adult male Wistar rats (n 42) were divided into six groups of seven each, as follows: control group; CCl4 group; CCl4+10 % apricot group; CCl4+20 % apricot group; 10 % apricot group; 20 % apricot group. All apricot groups were fed with 10 % or 20 % apricot-containing feed for 5 months. CCl4 injections were applied to the CCl4 groups at the dose of 1 mg/kg for 3 d at the end of 5 months. In the CCl4 group, vacuolated hepatocytes and hepatic necrosis were seen, especially in the centrilobular area. Hepatocytes showed an oedematous cytoplasmic matrix, large lipid globules and degenerated organelles. The area of liver injury was found significantly decreased with apricot feeding. Malondialdehyde and total glutathione levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly changed in the CCl4 group and indicated increased oxidative stress. Apricot feeding decreased this oxidative stress and ameliorated histological damage. We concluded that apricot feeding had beneficial effects on CCl4-induced liver steatosis and damage probably due to its antioxidant nutrient (beta-carotene and vitamin) contents and high radical-scavenging capacity. Dietary intake of apricot can reduce the risk of liver steatosis and damage caused by free radicals.

Beneficial effects of apricot-feeding on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cardio-protective potential of apricot-feeding in the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) model of rats in vivo. Rats were divided into three groups of 12 rats each. Group 1 was fed with a standard rat chow, groups 2 and 3 were fed with a standard rat chow supplemented with 10% or 20% dried apricot during 3 months before the beginning of I/R studies. To produce I/R, the left main coronary artery was occluded for 30 min, followed by 120 min reperfusion, in anesthetized rats. Infarct sizes were found significantly decreased in 10% (55.0 +/- 4.3%) and 20% (57.0 +/- 2.9%) apricot-fed groups compared to control group (68.7 +/- 2.0%). Light and electron microscopic evaluations of hearts also demonstrated similar beneficial effects on I/R injury in apricot-fed both groups. Total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power as in vitro antioxidant capacities of rat chows were significantly increased after supplementation with apricot for each ratio. Cu, Zn Superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased, and lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly in the hearts of 20% apricot-fed group after I/R. In conclusion, we clearly demonstrated in vivo cardio-protective activity of apricot-feeding related to its antioxidant phenolic contents in rats subjected to myocardial I/R.

Potent protective effect of apricot and beta-carotene on methotrexate-induced intestinal oxidative damage in rats.

Several studies have well confirmed the contribution of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage in the small intestine. Many agents have been tried experimentally to reduce or inhibit the oxidative stress. To our knowledge, there is no study about apricot consumption on the MTX-induced damage in the small intestine. The aim of this study was to determine the possible protective effects of apricot and beta-carotene on MTX-induced intestinal damage in rats. The rats were randomly divided into seven groups as follows; I-control group; II-apricot group; III-beta-carotene group; IV-MTX group; V-apricot+MTX group; VI-beta-carotene+MTX group and VII-apricot+beta-carotene+MTX group. In the MTX group; fusion and shortening in the villus, epithelial desquamation, crypt loss, inflammatory cell infiltration in the lamina propria, goblet cell depletion and microvillar damage were observed in the small intestine. Parallel to histological results, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were found to be increased, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP-x) activities and glutathione (GSH) content were decreased in the MTX group. However, single or combined application of apricot and beta-carotene ameliorated all of these hazardous effects in antioxidant system in MTX-treated groups. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that apricot and/or beta-carotene treatment may protect the impairment of oxidative stress and ameliorate MTX-induced intestine damage at biochemical and histological levels.