Quercetin modulates age-induced changes in the transcript levels of some apoptosis related genes in the skeletal muscles of male rats

Adverse changes occur gradually in the skeletal muscles with age via continuous exposure to oxidative stress. Quercetin, a member of the flavonoids family, possesses anti-oxidative and radical-scavenging activities. Therefore, this study investigated the role of quercetin to modulate age-induced changes in the transcript levels of some apoptosis-related genes in rat's gastrocnemius muscles, up to 15 months-old. Half of the rats at each age (1, 5, 10 and 15 months old) were given a vehicle and the other half was given 200 mg/kg quercetin for 2 weeks, respectively. With the increase of age, vehicle groups showed hyalinization of the muscle fibers and a decrease of the catalase and an increase of the malondialdehyde levels. Down-regulation of Bcl2 gene and up-regulation of both NF-κB and Bax genes were recorded. Interestingly, quercetin groups showed focal hyalinization of the muscle fibers at both 10th and 15th months old. An increase in the catalase and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels, up-regulation of Bcl2 gene and down-regulation of both NF-κB and Bax genes were recorded. In conclusion, quercetin minimized age-induced alteration in the morphological structure and the expression of the apoptosis-related genes via increasing the antioxidant defense in the gastrocnemius muscle.

Assessment of the Toxicity of Sub-chronic Low and High Doses of the Bio-insecticide Spinosad on the Liver, Kidney and the Cerebellum in Male Albino Mice

ABSTRACT Spinosad (SPD) is a highly selective insect control product. However, it was reported that SPD has toxicity toward other non-target organisms. This study was conducted to address the toxic effect of two sub-chronic low and high doses; 35 and 350 mg/kg SPD on some biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters of the liver, kidney and cerebellum. Thirty-six male Swiss mice were divided into three groups of 12 mice each; first group (G1) served as a control, second group (G2) received a low sub-chronic dose of SPD that is equal to 35 mg/kg, and third group (G3) received a high sub-chronic dose of SPD that is equal to 350 mg/kg. The results showed that mice which were received 350 mg/kg SPD showed a significant decrease in the body weight and a significant increase in their relative kidney and spleen weights. They also showed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides and urea levels. Histopathological examination showed cytoplasmic degeneration and cell necrosis in the liver and kidney. Immunohistochemical examination showed that cerebellum illustrated several neurodegenerative changes and a down-regulation of synaptophysin-Syp. In conclusion, exposure to a high dose of SPD that is equal to 350 mg/kg could cause a marked toxicity on the liver, kidney and cerebellum in male albino mice.