Effects of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract on oxidative stress status in the kidney and liver of diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Oxidative stress has a key role in the diabetes pathogenesis and complications. Berberis vulgaris is known in folk medicine for curing several diseases. The current research aimed to assess the influences of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract against oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, ip) was injected to male rats. After diabetes confirmation, animals received the Berberis vulgaris fruit extract daily at amounts of 3.5 and 7.5 % of drinking water (v/v) for six weeks. Total thiol and lipid peroxidation levels were assessed in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen at the end of the study. RESULTS: Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia along with enhancement of lipid peroxidation levels in the serum, liver, kidney and spleen, and decrement of total thiol content in the kidney and liver tissues. Chronic administration of Berberis vulgaris fruit extract at amount of 3.5 % of drinking water decreased the lipid peroxidation level in the serum and liver, and enhanced total thiol level in the liver and kidney. CONCLUSIONS: Berberis vulgaris fruit extract exerts antioxidant activity in the serum, liver and kidney organs of diabetic rats. Therefore, it might be used in the prevention and control of diabetes complications.

Protective effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on cardiovascular parameters in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHT) is an endocrine disorder that is associated with abnormalities in heart structure and function. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders caused by SHT. Portulaca oleracea (P. Oleracea) is a herbaceous plant with many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on the biochemical, hemodynamic, and functional parameters of the cardiac tissue was studied in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism. METHODS: Fifty-six male rats were divided into seven groups: 1-Control group: daily injection of saline, 2-SHT group: daily injection of levothyroxine sodium (LS) (20 µg/kg), 3- T4+Po groups were given LS and P. oleracea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in drinking water), 4- the T4+vit E groups received LS and a daily injection of vitamin E (100 and 200 mg/kg). Cardiac index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), also malondialdehyde and total thiol levels were measured in cardiac tissue. RESULTS: SBP and maximum dP/dt were significantly increased and minimum dP/dt was significantly decreased in SHT group. In P. oleracea groups, maximum dP/dt were significantly reduced and minimum dP/dt was increased. Malondialdehyde levels and cardiac index in groups receiving vitamin E and P. oleracea were significantly decreased. Maximum dP/dt was decreased in the group receiving LS+vitamin E. Minimum dP/dt was significantly higher in group received LS+ vitamin E. CONCLUSION: This study showed that Portulaca oleracea has a positive effect on cardiac dysfunction caused by subclinical hyperthyroidism.

The Protective Effects of Trans-Anethole against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced Histopathological and Metabolic Changes in Rat.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of trans-anethole, against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced histopathological and biochemical changes in female Wister rats.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-eight animals were randomly assigned into 6 groups: control; PCOS; PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, 80 mg/kg); and PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg). Testosterone (1 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally for 35 days to induce PCOS. After PCOS induction, animals were treated by transanethole and metformin (30 days oral gavage). Finally, serum oxidative stress and insulin levels as well as histological changes in ovaries, kidneys and liver were evaluated.
Results: In PCOS group, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.391 ± 0.18 mmol/L and significantly
increased (P=0.000) compared to the control group with the MDA level of 0.35 ± 0.08. Meanwhile the activity of
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and total thiol levels were significantly decreased (P=0.000 for all
groups), compared to the control group. In the trans-anethole (80 mg/kg) treated group, insulin (P=0.000) and MDA
(P=0.000) levels were significantly decreased while total thiol (P=0.001) and activity of SOD (P=0.000) and CAT
(P=0.007) were significantly increased compared to the PCOS group. In the metformin treated group the insulin level
(P=0.03) decreased compared to the PCOS group. Histological evaluation showed multiple cysts in the ovarian tissue,
an increase in inflammatory cells in the liver, and a loss of order in the structure of the tubules and glomeruli of the
kidney in the PCOS group. Tissue damage was reduced in the trans-anethole treated group.
Conclusion: Tarns-anethole at a dose of 80 mg/kg improved metabolic status, oxidative stress, liver and kidney damage
as well as the cystic mass of ovarian tissue. To understand the exact protective effects of trans-anethole in PCOS,
more experimental or clinical studies are suggested.

The antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Ribes khorassanicum hydro-ethanolic extract co-administration in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.

Objective: The present randomized clinical trial assessed the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of hydro-ethanolic extract of Ribes khorassanicum. Materials and Methods: Eighty type 2 diabetic patients were randomly allocated to placebo or intervention groups and respectively received placebo or extract capsules (700 mg, bid) beside their conventional medication for 3 months. Patients' blood pressure and blood levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), 2 hr postprandial glucose (2hPPG), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of treatment. For determination of plant safety, liver enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) and kidney function (in terms of urea, creatinine, and microalbumin levels) were assessed and patients were asked to report adverse effects. Results: The R. khorasanicum hydro-ethanolic extract supplementation significantly decreased the levels of FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-C in the extract group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05-p<0.01). However, 2hPPG, HbA1c, HDL-C, SGOT, SGPT, urea, creatinine, and urine microalbumin values were not significantly different between the placebo and the extract groups. No adverse effects were reported by the patients. Conclusion: Co-supplementation of diabetic patients with R. khorasanicum extract ameliorated hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia without causing any adverse effects; therefore, the plant extract may be recommended as a complementary therapy to improve diabetes-induced metabolic disturbances.

Comparing the effects of Portulaca oleracea seed hydro-alcoholic extract, valsartan, and vitamin E on hemodynamic changes, oxidative stress parameters and cardiac hypertrophy in thyrotoxic rats.

The present study compared the effects of Portulaca oleracea (P. oleracea) seed hydro-alcoholic extract, valsartan, and vitamin E on hemodynamic changes, oxidative stress markers and cardiac hypertrophy in a model of thyrotoxicosis. The hyperthyroid state was induced by intraperitoneal injection of levothyroxine (100 µg/kg) for 4 weeks in male adult rats. After 2 weeks, vitamin E (20 mg/kg), valsartan (8 mg/kg), and P. oleracea seed extract (400 mg/kg) were administered in three groups of thyrotoxic rats. The control group was given a daily injection of normal saline. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured on three occasions with tail cuff. At the end of the fourth week, the animals were scarified and serum samples and heart tissue were collected for biochemical and histological studies. The levothyroxine increased heart rate and systolic blood pressure. A lower heart rate and reduced systolic blood pressure were observed in groups receiving valsartan and P. oleracea extract. The heart weight/body weight ratio increased in groups treated with levothyroxine, but in a microscopic study, cardiomyocyte width was not different between the groups. Levothyroxine increased the level of malondyaldehide and NO metabolite but reduced the thiol concentration, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. However, treatment with vitamin E and P. oleracea extract increased the thiol concentration, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities while decreasing malondyaldehide level. In addition, treatment with P. oleracea extract and valsartan decreased NO metabolite level. Treatment with P. oleracea extract improved levothyroxine induced oxidative stress and hemodynamic changes. These effects may be for antioxidant components.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

A comparison between the effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical and hormonal changes of testosterone-induced Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Female Wister rats (n=48) were randomly divided into six groups: control; PCOS; PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg); and PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). PCOS was induced by intraperitoneal injection of testosterone (1 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. After induction of PCOS, trans-anethole and metformin were given orally for 30 days. Finally, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, and testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) as well as animals' weight, and water and food intake were determined. RESULTS: In all treated and untreated PCOS groups, serum testosterone levels were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.001 for all groups). Treatment of rats with trans-anethole or metformin significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, insulin, triglycerides, testosterone and DHEAS (only in PCOS+trans-anethole groups) compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001). Weight gain in the PCOS animals increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001), while in the metformin- and trans-anethole (40 and 80)-treated animals it decreased significantly compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results showed that trans-anethole significantly decreased serum levels of insulin, DHEAS and blood lipids. It can be concluded that trans-anethole ameliorates PCOS biochemical and hormonal change in PCOS rats; therefore, it might be suggested as a beneficial remedy for further clinical evaluations in PCOS patients.

The hepatoprotective effects of fennel seeds extract and trans-Anethole in streptozotocin-induced liver injury in rats.

Hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of fennel have been recorded in numerous investigations. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of fennel or its active component trans-Anethole (TA) on streptozotocin-induced liver injury in rats. Rats were injected with a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg) and treated with fennel (200 and 400 mg/kg), TA (80 mg/kg), or metformin (300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Serum lipid profile and liver enzyme activity (aminotransferases), oxidative stress markers, and the degree of fibrosis in the liver tissue were assessed. Both fennel and TA decreased blood glucose levels, reduced liver enzyme activity, food, and water intake, and intensity of weight loss, reduced serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Additionally, fennel and TA significantly reduced MDA concentration while increased CAT activity and thiol content and reduced the degree of injury and fibrosis in the liver of diabetic rats. Our results suggest that fennel seed extract and its active compound TA are able to protect the liver against diabetes-induced hepatic injury in rats, probably via hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.

Effects of prolactin on movement disorders and APOE, GFAP, and PRL receptor gene expression following intracerebral hemorrhage in rats.

Objectives: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs mostly in the striatum. In ICH, blood prolactin level increases 3-fold. The effects of intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of prolactin on motor disorders will be investigated. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats in 4 groups: sham, ICH, and prolactin with 1 µg/2 µl (P1) and 2 µg/2 µl (P2) doses. Results: The weight of animals on days 1 (P˂0.01), 3, and 7 (P˂0.05) in the sham and P2 groups increased compared with the ICH group. Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) in ICH and P1 groups decreased, and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. NDS in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group on days 1 (P˂0.0 5), 3, and 7 (P˂0.001). The duration time of rotarod in ICH and P1 groups decreased and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. The duration time of rotarod in the P1 group on days 3 and 7 increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Travel distance in days 1(P˂0.01), 3(P˂0.001), and 7(P˂0.01) decreased in the ICH group. Prolactin receptor (PRL receptor) expression in ICH, P1, and P2 groups increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression (P˂0.001) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) (P˂0.01) expression in the ICH group increased compared with the sham group. GFAP and APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the ICH group (P˂0.001). APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Conclusion: According to the results, prolactin reduces movement disorders.

Effects of Ribes khorasanicum hydro-ethanolic extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic complications in rats.

The anti-diabetic effects of Ribes khorasanicum as a traditional remedy were investigated in diabetic rats. Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups: control, diabetic, diabetic treated with metformin (300 mg kg-1; D+Met), diabetic treated with 250 and 500 mg kg-1 of Ribes khorasanicum hydro-ethanolic extract (D+Rib250 and D+Rib500). After six weeks of treatment, sera of overnight fasted animals were collected and used for measurement of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, urea, creatinine, and hepatic enzymes levels. Moreover, liver and kidney of rats were removed and used for measurement of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde (MDA), thiol content, and the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes increased the levels of serum glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL-C, urea, creatinine, hepatic enzymes, and kidney and liver oxidative stress markers, while decreased insulin and HDL-C when compared to control group. In all treated groups serum levels of glucose, TC, LDL-C, TG, and urea were decreased, while liver SOD activity was increased compared to the diabetic group. The D+Rib500 group had lower Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), creatinine, and kidney MDA levels, but higher insulin, HDL-C levels, liver CAT activity, and kidney thiol content, and CAT activity compared to diabetic group. In D+Met group, serum levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), creatinine, and MDA of liver and kidney were decreased, while liver SOD activity was increased compared to the diabetic group. Based on our findings, treatment with Ribes khorasanicum improved diabetic complications, while the effect of a higher dose of the extract was comparable to metformin's.

Kidney dysfunction and oxidative stress in doxorubicin-induced nephrotic rat: Protective role of sesame oil.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antineoplastic agent which it's clinical use has been limited due to its major side effects including cardiotoxicity and nephrotic syndrome. Sesame oil (SO) is an important edible oil with many pharmacologic effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SO against DOX-induced nephropathy in the rat. In this study, two doses of SO (3 and 6 mL/kg) were administrated orally for six consecutive weeks and DOX (mg/kg) was intravenously injected on the 4th day of the experiment. Blood and urine samples were collected on days 1, 14, 30, and 42 for subsequent measurement of biochemical parameters. The left kidneys were removed for subsequent assessment of total thiol content, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, and renal activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. DOX caused significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia compared to control group. Significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and total thiol contents and significant increase in MDA levels were also observed following DOX injection when compared to control group. Oral administration of SO significantly reversed DOX-induced proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia compared to DOX group. Furthermore, compared to DOX group, SO significantly increased total thiols content. MDA concentration significantly decreased following SO administration when compared to DOX group. The current study suggests that SO is able to improve kidney function as well as kidney tissue oxidative damage in DOX-induced nephrotic the rat.

The protective effects of prolactin on brain injury.

AIMS: Brain injuries based on their causes are divided into two categories, TBI and NTBI. TBI is caused by damages such as head injury, but non-physical injury causes NTBI. Prolactin is one of the blood factors that increase during brain injury. It has been assumed to play a regenerative role in post-injury recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this review, various valid papers from electronic sources (including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, and ISI databases) used, which in them the protective effect of prolactin on brain injury investigated. KEY FINDINGS: Inflammation following brain injury with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the affected area can even lead to excitotoxicity and cell death in the damaged area. Medical brain damage treatments are long-term, and can have several side effects. Therefore, it is better to consider medication treatments that have fewer side effects and greater efficacy. Research suggests that prolactin has numerous regenerative effects on brain injury, and prevents cell death. Prolactin is one of the hormones produced in the body; therefore it has fewer side effects and may be more effective because it increases during brain injury. SIGNIFICANCE: Prolactin can be used peripherally and centrally, and exerts its neuro regenerative effects against further damage post-TBI and NTBI.

The effects of lettuce extract on the level of T4, memory and nerve conduction velocity in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: According to the traditional medicine, lettuce can affect nerve conduction velocity and memory. So, to investigate the effect of lettuce seeds extract on body activities, lettuce seeds were used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, the effects of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seeds extract consumption (in drinking water) on T4 level, animals' weight, water and food consumption, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and memory in Wistar rats, were investigated. In this study, 24 Wistar rats were used, and divided into three groups: control, L 200 mg/kg, and L 400 mg/kg. RESULTS: The results showed that, the T4 level, food and water intake, time spent and distance travelled in Q1, delay time to enter and the number of entrance into the dark room in both treated groups were not significantly different from the control group. Animal weight and NCV, in 400 mg/kg group were not significantly different from the control group, but in 200 mg/kg group, they were significantly decreased (p<0.05). The duration spent in the dark room (48 hr after shock) in L 400 mg/kg increased compared to the control group (p<0.05), but in L 200 mg/kg group at all time points, and in L 400 mg/kg treated group 3 and 24 hr after shock, it was not significantly different from the control group. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, the T4 level, memory, food and water intake were not changed by lettuce extract, while NCV and animal weight were decreased following treatment with lettuce extract.

The role of Artemisia turanica extract on renal oxidative and biochemical markers in STZ-induced diabetes in rat.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of Artemisia turanica (AT) against diabetes- induced renal oxidative stress in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, STZ-induced diabetic rats, diabetic rats+ metformin, diabetic rats + AT extract, diabetic rats+ metformin+ AT extract. In the present study, diabetes was induced by a single-dose (55 mg/kg, ip) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Diabetic rats were daily treated with metformin (300 mg/kg), AT extract (70 mg/kg) and metformin+ AT extract for 4 consecutive weeks. Tissue activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiol content were measured in kidney tissue. Serum concentrations of glucose, creatinine, and urea, as well as, lipid profile were also measured. RESULTS: STZ significantly increased the levels of glucose, triglyceride, urea and MDA compared to the control group. Total thiol content, as well as, catalase and SOD activities showed significant decreases in diabetic group when compared with the control animals. Serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and renal MDA showed a significant decrease and renal total thiol and the activities of antioxidant enzymes showed significant increases in AT+STZ group compared with the diabetic group. In diabetic rats received AT+ metformin, serum LDL and HDL, renal MDA and SOD and catalase activities significantly improved compared with the diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that AT extract has therapeutic effects on renal oxidative damage and lipid profile in diabetes, that possibly may be due to its antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects.

The effects of the combination of Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata on learning and memory deficit and oxidative damage in brain tissue of hypothyroid rats.

In the present study, the impact of a combination of four memory-enhancer herbs on cognitive impairment and brain tissue oxidative damage due to hypothyroidism was evaluated. Propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.05%) was administrated in drinking water. Rats were treated with a combination of four herbal products (Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata) mixed with honey at two doses (640 and 1,280 mg/kg) or donepezil (0.5 mg/kg), for 6 weeks. Memory performance on the Morris water maze (MWM) and avoidance behavior in passive avoidance was impaired by hypothyroidism, and brain tissue oxidative damage occurred. Herbal combination and donepezil significantly improved memory impairment, reduced malondialdehyde concentration, and nitric oxide metabolites while increased the thiol contents and catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes activity in the brain. Our findings suggest that the mixture of herbal products improves learning and memory deficits caused by hypothyroidism, probably by reducing the brain tissue oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Learning and memory impairment is a common feature of thyroid hormones deficiency. Several studies are showing that hypothyroidism in juvenile and mature rats induces significant cognitive impairment. Likewise, in humans, a close relationship between thyroid hormone deficiency and cognitive impairment has been reported. We used a mixture of herbal products, including Cyperus rotundus, Crocus sativus, Piper nigrum, and Boswellia serrata, to treat hypothyroidism-induced memory impairment. All these herbs are widely used as a food additive across the world. In Iranian traditional medicine, this herbal combination traditionally used to treat cognitive impairments. Numerous studies have indicated that these herbs show neuroprotective and memory-enhancing properties. Our finding indicated that a traditionally used herbal combination could potentially use as a treatment of cognitive impairment induced by thyroid hormone deficiency.

Effects of levothyroxine on lung inflammation, oxidative stress and pathology in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: In this study, the effect of levothyroxine (L-T4) on tracheal responsiveness, lung inflammation, oxidative stress and pathological features in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), was evaluated. METHODS: An animal model of AD was established by intracerebroventricular injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (3 mg/kg) in rats. The rats were then treated for 3 weeks with L-T4 (10 and 100 µg/kg). RESULTS: In AD animals, tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin (p < 0.05), white blood cell (WBC) count (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p < 0.05) and inflammation score (p < 0.01) were increased, but superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiol content (for both cases p < 0.05) were decreased compared to the controls. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and MDA concentration (p < 0.05) were decreased in AD animals treated with T4 compared to the AD group. Bronchial inflammation in terms of total and some differential WBC in the BALF and inflammatory score, was significantly worsened in AD animals treated with high dose of T4 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: Alzheimer's disease may cause lung inflammation and treatment with low dose of T4 improved MDA level and lung inflammation.

Effect of Watermelon Extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity, Memory, and T4 Level in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Watermelon is a fruit with the thirst-quenching effect and especially is consumed in summer. In this study, the effect of consumption of watermelon extract (in drinking water) on thyroid hormone level (TT4), animals' weight, water and food consumption, nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and memory in Wistar rats were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control, CT 1500 mg/kg, and CT 3000 mg/kg (n = 8, in each group). Watermelon extract was administered for 42 days. The results measured in this study were analyzed with repeated measures or one-way analysis of variance and compared by the least significant difference post hoc. P < 0.05 was considered as significant difference. RESULTS: The results showed that animals' weight in both the treatment groups decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Water and food consumption and the level of TT4 increased when compared to the control group in both the treated groups (both P < 0.001). NCV in both the treated groups decreased in comparison with the control group (both P < 0.001). Spatial memory did not change significantly, but passive avoidance memory in both the treated groups significantly decreased in comparison to the control group (respectively, with P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on these finding, in spite of increase in food and water consumption in the treated groups, animal weight did not increase significantly. Impairment in memory and decrease in NCV were also occurred, but TT4 level was increased in animals treated with watermelon extract.

Effects of levothyroxine on learning and memory deficits in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease: the role of BDNF and oxidative stress.

The effect of levothyroxine (L-T4) on the learning and memory impairment induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and brain tissue oxidative damage in rats was evaluated. An animal model of the Alzheimer's disease (AD) was established by intracerebroventricular injection of STZ (3 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats (250 ± 50 g). After that, the rats were treated for 3 weeks with L-T4 (10, 100 µg/kg) or normal saline. Passive avoidance (PA) learning and spatial memory were evaluated using shuttle box and Morris water maze (MWM), respectively. Finally, the rats were euthanized, their blood samples were collected for further thyroxine assessment and their brains were removed after decapitation in order to measure the oxidative stress parameters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the MWM, latency (s) increased in the AD rats compared with the normal control group while it decreased in the 10 µg/kg L-T4 injected AD rats compared with the AD group. In the PA, the latency for entering the dark compartment was lower in the AD group than in the normal control group and it decreased in the 10 µg/kg L-T4 injected AD rats. The low dose of L-T4 (10 µg/kg) reduced malondialdehyde concentration but increased thiols concentration, superoxide dismutase, catalase activities and BDNF level in hippocampal tissues of the AD rats. Injection of L-T4 (10 µg/kg) alleviated memory deficits and also improved factors of oxidative stress and BDNF level in the STZ-induced AD rats.

The Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog and a Combination of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog and Recombinant Human Growth Hormone on Adult Height in Girls with Early Puberty.

BACKGROUND: Early puberty (EP) is due to the activation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator in lower ages; EP may be a potential cause for impairment of adult height, leading to short stature. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of GnRH analog (GnRHa) and GnRHa plus recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment on final height in healthy girls with EP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty EP girls (sexual maturity rating: 2-3) with chronological age (CA) 9.22 ± 0.56 and bone age (BA) 9.74 ± 0.59 years were treated with GnRHa (Triptorelin) at a dose of 100 µg/kg body weight (BW) as intramuscular every 28 days for 2.82 ± 0.57 years; 45 EP girls with CA 9.84 ± 0.57 and BA 10.14 ± 1.02 years were also treated with the same GnRHa plus rhGH (Norditropin) at a dose of 0.1 unit/kg BW daily for 6 days in a week for 2.55 ± 0.6 years. In the control group, 33 EP girls followed for the same period without treatment. Height, weight, and body mass index of girls and parents were assessed. Predicted adult height (PAH) at the start and the end of the study and target height were assessed. RESULTS: PAH at the end of the study in the GnRHa group was not different with untreated girls. PAH at the end of the treatment in GnRHa plus rhGH group was significantly higher than both untreated and GnRHa group. PAH at the end of therapy in GnRHa plus rhGH group was significantly more than their target height. CONCLUSION: GnRHa therapy has a benefit effect in achievement of target height. Combination therapy with GnRHa plus rhGH increased their PAH more than both untreated and GnRHa groups.

The anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects of a combination of Commiphora mukul, Commiphora myrrha and Terminalia chebula in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: Effects of Commiphora mukul and Commiphora myrrha ethanolic extracts and Terminalia chebula hydro-ethanolic extract combination were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (n=48) were randomly assigned into: control; diabetic; diabetic+metformin (300 mg/kg); diabetic+dose 1 of herbal combination (438 mg/kg of C. mukul+214 mg/kg of C. myrrha+857 mg/kg of T. chebula); diabetic+dose 2 (642 mg/kg of C. mukul+214 mg/kg of C. myrrha+642 mg/kg of T. chebula); and diabetic+dose 3 (857 mg/kg of C. mukul+438 mg/kg of C. myrrha+1714 mg/kg t of T. chebula). All treatments were given orally by gavage. Diabetes was induced by STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.). At the end of study (day 28), blood glucose, insulin and lipid profile; as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined. RESULTS: In diabetic rats, plasma glucose, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL-C, as well as hepatic MDA levels were elevated but plasma HDL-C and insulin, and hepatic thiol content and SOD and CAT activities were reduced compared to control (p<0.01-p<0.001). In diabetic+dose 3, plasma TC, TG, and LDL-C and hepatic MDA level decreased (p<0.001), while plasma HDL-C and insulin, and hepatic thiol content, and SOD and CAT activities increased compared to diabetic (p<0.01-p<0.001). Treatment with dose 1 and 2 improved such abnormalities in diabetic rats except for insulin level (p<0.05-p<0.001). The herbal combination effects were comparable to those of metformin. Metformin did not significantly change serum insulin and HDL-C levels, and hepatic SOD activity; however, serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C, as well as hepatic MDA levels, thiol content and CAT activity were improved compared to diabetic (p<0.05-p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that this herbal combination acts as an anti-diabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic agent and it may be suggested as a beneficial remedy for diabetic patients.