Antidepressant effect of Gentiana olivieri Griseb. in male rats exposed to chronic mild stress.

Background: The flowering parts of Gentiana olivieri, known as 'Afat' in the southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey, are used as a tonic, an appetizer, and for the treatment of several mental disorders, including depression. The purpose of this study is to investigate the antidepressant effect of G. olivieri ethanol extract (GOEE) in a chronic mild stress-induced rat model, which was used to mimic a depressive state in humans, and to compare the effect with that of imipramine.Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, stress, treated with imipramine (positive control) and treated with GOEE at three different (200, 500, 1000 mg/kg) doses groups. The rats in all groups, except the control group, were exposed to chronic mild stress. At the end of the 3-week experimental period, biochemical and behavioral parameters were examined.Results: The results showed that treatment with GOEE or imipramine significantly improved rats' sucrose consumption which was diminished by chronic mild stress, restored serum levels of corticosterone and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)), prevented the increase of liver index of rats. Moreover, in the hippocampus tissue, decreased serotonin and noradrenaline levels were significantly increased by treatment with GOEE or imipramine, and antioxidant parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH)) were significantly improved by treatment with GOEE though not with imipramine.Conclusion: The data demonstrate that G. olivieri may exert its antidepressant activity by improving monoaminergic system disorders, and by favorably affecting the antioxidant, inflammatory and the endocrine mechanisms.

Effect of inositol -stabilized arginine silicate on arthritis in a rat model.

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of arginine-silicate-inositol complex (ASI), compared to a combination of the individual ingredients (A+S+I) of the ASI, on inflammatory markers and joint health in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. A total of 28 Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (i) Control; (ii) Arthritic group, rats subjected to CIA induction by injection of bovine collagen type II (A); (iii) Arthritic group treated with equivalent doses of the separate components of the ASI complex (arginine hydrochloride, silicon, and inositol) (A+S+I); (iv) Arthritic group treated with the ASI complex. The ASI complex treatment showed improved inflammation scores and markers over the arthritic control and the A+S+I group. ASI group had also greater levels of serum and joint-tissue arginine and silicon than the A+S+I group. Joint tissue IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, p38 MAPK, WISP-1, and ß-Catenin levels were lower in the ASI group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the ASI complex may be effective in reducing markers of inflammation associated with joint health and that the ASI complex is more effective than a combination of the individual ingredients.

(3R, 3'R)-zeaxanthin protects the retina from photo-oxidative damage via modulating the inflammation and visual health molecular markers.

PURPOSE: Zeaxanthin protects the macula from ocular damage due to light or radiation by scavenging harmful reactive oxygen species. In the present study, zeaxanthin product (OmniXan®; OMX), derived from paprika pods (Capsicum annum; Family-Solanaceae), was tested for its efficacy in the rat retina against photooxidation. METHODS: Forty-two male 8-week-old Wistar rats exposed to 12L/12D, 16L/8D and 24L/0D hours of intense light conditions were orally administrated either 0 or 100 mg/kg BW of zeaxanthin concentration. Retinal morphology was analyzed by histopathology, and target gene expressions were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. RESULTS: OMX treatment significantly increased the serum zeaxanthin concentration (p < 0.001) and ameliorated oxidative damage by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities in the retina induced by light (p < 0.001). OMX administration significantly upregulated the expression of genes, including Rhodopsin (Rho), Rod arrestin (SAG), Gα Transducin 1 (GNAT-1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), nuclear factor-(erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and decreased the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF- κB) and GFAP by OMX treatment rats. The histologic findings confirmed the antioxidant and gene expression data. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that OMX is a potent substance that can be used to protect photoreceptor cell degeneration in the retina exposed to intense light.

MAT, a Novel Polyherbal Aphrodisiac Formulation, Enhances Sexual Function and Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway While Reducing Oxidative Damage in Male Rats.

Mucuna pruriens, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus terrestris are known as the enhancers for sexual health, functional activities, vitality, and longevity. These herbs had been widely used in the Ayurveda medicine as aphrodisiacs through the ages, and their efficacy was also verified separately in our previous publication. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of Mucuna, Ashwagandha, and Tribulus complexes on sexual function in rats. Twenty-eight male rats allocated to four groups as follows: (i) negative control (C); (ii) positive control or sildenafil citrate treated group (5 mg/kg) (S); (iii) MAT1 (combination of 10 mg Mucuna (M) + 10 mg Ashwagandha (A) + 10 mg Tribulus (T)/kg BW); (iv) MAT 2 (20 mg Mucuna + 20 mg Ashwagandha + 20 mg Tribulus/kg BW). There was no significant difference found between the MAT1 and MAT2 groups while they showed significantly increased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels when compared to the negative control. Significant increases in Nrf2/HO1 levels and decreases in NF-κB were detected in MAT groups similar to the decrease in serum and testis malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as compared to both controls. The sperm motility, count, and rate also significantly improved in both MAT groups, while ALT, AST, creatinine, ALP, and urea levels did not change in any of the groups. Oral consumption of MATs combination in male rats resulted in inhibition of NF-κB and MDA and also increased sex hormones with Nrf2-mediated HO-1 induction. MAT combinations may improve sexual functions by increasing levels of sexual hormones and regulation of NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

Cuscuta arvensis Beyr "Dodder": In Vivo Hepatoprotective Effects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats.

Cuscuta arvensis Beyr. is a parasitic plant, and commonly known as "dodder" in Europe, in the United States, and "tu si zi shu" in China. It is one of the preferred spices used in sweet and savory dishes. Also, it is used as a folk medicine for the treatment particularly of liver problems, knee pains, and physiological hepatitis, which occur notably in newborns and their mothers in the southeastern part of Turkey. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects and antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of C. arvensis Beyr. on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats. The results were supported by subsequent histopathological studies. The hepatoprotective activity of both the aqueous and methanolic extracts at an oral dose of 125 and 250 mg/kg was investigated by observing the reduction levels or the activity of alkaline phosphatase, alkaline transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urine nitrogen, and total bilirubin content. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined by analyzing the serum superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and catalase levels. Chromatographic methods were used to isolate biologically active compounds from the extract, and spectroscopic methods were used for structure elucidation. Both the methanolic and aqueous extracts exerted noticable hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects supporting the folkloric usage of dodder. One of the bioactive compounds was kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, isolated and identified from the methanolic extract.

How do vegetable oils (hazelnut and canola) affect the reproductive system in male rats?

OBJECTIVE: Vegetable oils have an important place in our daily diet. This study starts from this point to investigate the effects of canola oil and hazelnut oil in the male reproductive system in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 male rats were used in this 16-week study. The animals were divided into three groups: the animals in group I served as the control group, while the animals in group II and group III were fed with hazelnut and canola oil, respectively. The testes of all rats were excised for histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation with a standard method. Blood samples were obtained for determination of serum hormone levels. RESULTS: No significant differences were noted with respect to behavior or weight among the three groups. Rats in the canola oil group (group III) had higher luteinizing hormone (LH) and higher testosterone levels than rats in the control group. Rats who received hazelnut oil (group II) exhibited similar findings, with these levels being higher than they were in the control group. No statistical differences were shown for histopathology or IHC testosterone antibody levels across all treatment groups. Conclussion: Canola oil was shown to have a greater effect on serum LH and testosterone compared to the control group and the group fed with hazelnut oil. Further investigation is required into how these oils affect serum hormone and sperm activity.

Mesozeaxanthin protects the liver and reduces cardio-metabolic risk factors in an insulin resistant rodent model.

Background: Mesozeaxanthin (MZ) is a macular carotenoid which has been reported to have a number of pharmacological properties, including the antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic property, and has been stated to decrease the hepatocyte lipid content. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effect of MZ on cardio-metabolic health risk (CMHR) and its probable mechanisms of action in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Design: Rats were randomly divided into four groups consisting of (i) Control, (ii) MZ, (iii) HFD, and (iv) HFD+MZ. Results: MZ treatment increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and helped improve the liver function. The treatment alleviated CMHR and decreased the level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The levels of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate 1 (p-IRS-1), ß,ß-carotene 9',10'-oxygenase 2 (BCO2) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which decrease in HFD rats, were found to be significantly higher in MZ supplemented animals. Conclusion: MZ has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can is reported in this study toprotect against fatty liver and cardio-metabolic syndrome, possibly through regulation of PPAR-γ, IRS-1, Nrf2 and NF-κB proteins, in an insulin-resistant rodent model.

Hepatoprotective properties for Salvia cryptantha extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

The present study was designed to determine the possible hepatoprotective effects of Salvia cryptantha (black weed) plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Animals were grouped as follows: control group (Group I), CCl4 group (Group II), olive oil group (Group III), CCl4 + S. cryphantha 200 mg/kg group (Group IV), and CCl4 + S. cryptantha 400mg/kg group (Group V). Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 diluted in olive oil (50% v/v) at a dose of 1ml/kg body weight.  Bax and Caspase3 were determined by immunohistochemical staining, while apoptotic index was evaluated using TUNEL assay. Total mRNA was isolated from liver tissues, and the levels of BCL2, Caspase3, SOD, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined by using PCR, while MDA level were determined using a colorimetric assay. The antioxidant and anti-apoptotic gene transcripts were decreased in all of the control and treatment groups, while Caspase3 levels were not statistically different. The S. cryptantha plant extract treatment was also found to improve SOD, GPx, and catalase levels, while reducing the serum levels of MDA. The extract of S. cryptantha supplementation had a protective effect against CCl4-induced liver damage. S. cryptantha extract as a supplement may be useful as a hepato-protective agent to combat the toxic effects caused by CCl4 and other chemicals.

Comparative evaluation of the sexual functions and NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts in male rats.

BACKGROUND: Mucuna pruriens, Tribulus terrestris and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are widely known as antioxidant effective herbals and have been reported to possess aphrodisiac activities in traditional usages. In this study, we determined the effects of these herbals on sexual functions, serum biochemical parameters, oxidative stress and levels of NF-κB, Nrf2, and HO-1 in reproductive tissues. METHODS: Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups: the control group, sildenafil-treated group (5 mg/kg/d), Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups. The extract groups were treated orally either with Mucuna, Tribulus or Ashwagandha (300 mg/kg b.w.) for 8 weeks. RESULTS: All of the extracts were found to be significantly effective in sexual functioning and antioxidant capacity and Tribulus showed the highest effectiveness. Serum testosterone levels significantly increased in Tribulus and Ashwagandha groups in comparison to control group. Tribulus was able to reduce the levels of NF-κB and increase the levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 to a much greater extent than Mucuna and Ashwagandha. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate for the first time that Mucuna, Tribulus and Ashwagandha supplementation improves sexual function in male rats via activating Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway while inhibiting the NF-κB levels. Moreover, Tribulus terrestris extract was found to be more bioavailable from Ashwagandha extract followed by Mucuna extract. Schematic representation of the mode of action of some aphrodisiac herbal extracts to improve sexual functions.

Mesozeaxanthin Protects Retina from Oxidative Stress in a Rat Model.

PURPOSE: Mesozeaxanthin (MZ) is able to protect against chronic and cumulative eye damage and neutralize free radicals produced by oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective potential of MZ against retinal oxidative damage and growth and transcription factors of the retina in rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Twenty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following 4 groups: (1) Control, (2) MZ (100 mg/kg bw/d), (3) HFD (42% of calories as fat), and (4) HFD+MZ (100 mg/kg bw/d) group rats were administered daily as supplement for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Consumption of HFD was associated with hyperglycemia and oxidative stress as reflected by increased serum MDA concentration (P < 0.001). No measurable zeaxanthin (Z)+MZ and lutein (L) could be detected in the serum of control and HFD rats, whereas they were observed in the serum of MZ-administered rats. Retinal antioxidant enzyme [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] activities were significantly decreased in the HFD group compared to the normal group (P < 0.01). However, retinal antioxidant enzymes were restored close to normal levels in HFD+MZ-treated rats (P < 0.05). The retina of rats fed with HFD had increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) levels and decreased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme-oxygenase 1(HO-1) levels compared to the healthy rat retina (P < 0.001). Rats treated with MZ partially alleviated the inflammation as reflected by suppressed VEGF, iNOS, ICAM, and NF-κB levels and increased Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in the retina of rats fed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study suggest that MZ has protective effects on the retina and the ability to modulate oxidative stress of retina in rats fed an HFD by suppressing retinal lipid peroxidation and regulating growth and transcription factors.

Modulating effects of selenium in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of organoselenium compounds (Se I and Se II) in the well-established rat model treated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), by monitoring the extent of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, adrenomedullin (ADM) level and total RNA level in adrenal medulla. Organic pollutants are the most important environmental factor for the biologic systems. DMBA exposure appears to be associated with a number of physiological disease processes. METHODS: The effects of Se I and Se II compounds were investigated on TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels in adrenal medulla of rats exposed to DMBA. RESULTS: TH activity, ADM and total RNA levels were found to be increased significantly due to the effect of DMBA (p < 0.05). This increase was restricted in the Se I- and Se II-treated groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present data showed that the organoselenium compounds may have important effects in the maintainance of homeostasis against stress induced by DMBA.

Pressurized liquid extraction of phenolic compounds from Anatolia propolis and their radical scavenging capacities.

Propolis samples from important honey producing locations of Anatolia namely; Bingol (BG), Rize (RZ), Tekirdag (TK) and Van (VN), were evaluated for their antiradical capacities, total phenolic contents and individual phenolic compounds which was recovered by means of pressurized liquid extraction (PLE). Several extraction parameters of PLE such as; temperature, pressure, solvent type, extraction time and cell size were investigated for their effects on the extraction performances. The results showed that, 40 °C, 1500 psi, Ethanol:water:HCl; (70:25:5, v/v/v) containing 0.1% tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) as solvent, three extraction cycles within 15 min, and a cell size of 11 mL was the most favorable PLE operating conditions. Results of the tests performed to designate the success of the polyphenol analysis showed that the recovery was in the range of 97.2% and 99.7%. Major phenolic compounds in all samples were found to be gallocatechin (GCT), catechin (CT), epicatechin gallate (ECTG), caffeic acid (CA), chlorogenic acid (ChA), and myricetin (Myr). ChA level of BG propolis was 4.5, 3 and 23 times higher than that of RZ, TK and VN region, respectively. Antiradical tests showed that all propolis samples have superior antiradical capacities up to 500 mg Trolox equivalent activity per gram of extract.

Prunus armeniaca L (apricot) protects rat testes from detrimental effects of low-dose x-rays.

Exposure to low x-ray doses damages the spermatozoa, mainly by late-onset (ie, after 3 months) oxidative stress. Antioxidants ameliorate oxidation and prevent tissue damage. Prunus armeniaca L (apricot), rich in carotenoids and vitamins, is a potent natural antioxidant. We hypothesized that an apricot-rich diet might ameliorate the detrimental effects of low-dose x-rays on testis tissue. A 20% apricot diet was composed isoenergetically to the regular rodent diet. The total phenolic content, reducing power, and antioxidant capacity of both diets were determined. Sprague-Dawley rats received apricot-rich diets before and after x-ray exposure. Regular diets were given to controls. Rats were exposed to 0.2 Gy x-rays at the eighth week and were euthanized at the 20th postexposure week. Testicular oxidative status was determined by tissue thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. For histologic evaluation, qualitative and quantitative microscopic determinations were performed, and Leydig and Sertoli cell counts and Johnsen scores were measured. The control diet group had significant testicular oxidative stress and mild tissue deterioration. Leydig and Sertoli cell counts, tubule diameters, and Johnsen scores were significantly decreased in the exposure groups. Apricot-rich diet significantly ameliorated the oxidative status and prevented the damage in tubular histology. The protective effects were prominent when the diet was maintained throughout the time course and were partially protected when the diet was initiated after exposure. The natural antioxidant activity of apricot ameliorates the delayed detrimental effects of low-dose irradiation on testis tissue. The high total antioxidant capacity of the apricot deserves further investigation.

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.

Antioxidative role of selenium against the toxic effect of heavy metals (Cd+2, Cr+3) on liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum 1792).

The main purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of Cd+2, Cr+3 and Se metals on biochemical parameters in liver tissue of Oncorhynchus mykiss. The rainbow trout were exposed to heavy metal stress (Cd+2, Cr+3) at 2 ppm dosage. The present study was undertaken to determine the protective effect of selenium treatment at the same dosage (2 ppm) on some biochemical parameters. The activity of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the changes in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) from biochemical parameters were determined in liver tissue of the fish groups exposed to heavy metals, especially for the selenium-applied groups. Results of this study showed that the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and SOD in the tissues of fish exposed to the stress of Cd+2 and Cr+3 were significantly lower than the control groups (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the closer values to the control groups were obtained in selenium-added groups (Cr+3 + Se+4, Cd+2 + Se+4). For the level of MDA, the last production of lipid peroxidation showed increases (P < 0.05) in the groups exposed to the metal stress, whereas significant decreases were obtained in selenium-applied groups. The result of the statistical evaluation showed that the negative effects occurring in the biochemical parameters of the applied groups exposed to the toxicity of heavy metal were significantly eliminated (P < 0.05) as a result of selenium treatment.