The Oxidative Stress Markers' Protective Influence of Sea Buckthorn and Grape Extracts in Atorvastatin-Treated Hyperlipidemic Rats.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species initiate when the oxidative stress arises. (1) Background: The effect of natural molecules on oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats, taking statins, was observed. (2) Methods: One hundred and twelve white Wistar rats, males and females, were divided into seven: Group I received 20 mg of atorvastatin while groups II and III received a combination of 20 mg of atorvastatin and 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract. Groups IV and V received 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract, while groups VI and VII received only high-fat diet (HFD) and normal rodents' fodder. After two and six months, rats were euthanized, and blood was gathered to measure the main paraclinical values and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Also, the liver and kidney were stored for the organs' cytoarchitecture. For statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), was performed. (3) Results: HFD produced hyperlipidemia, accompanied by augmented serum and hepatic oxidative stress markers, in addition to a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels. Polyphenolic substances proven efficient against HFD caused oxidative stress. (4) Conclusions: Atorvastatin heightened the histological injuries caused by the fatty diet, but these were diminished by taking atorvastatin in combination with 100 mg/kg of plant extracts.

Effect of Sempervivum tectorum Extract on Some Biomarkers of Reproductive Function and Levels of Some Trace Elements in Male Rats Exposed to Aluminum.

Aluminum, a contentious trace element found in the environment, has been demonstrated to have harmful effects on both humans and animals. In contrast, Sempervivum tectorum, an evergreen plant, has been found to offer numerous beneficial effects for both humans and animals. Therefore, this study aims to assess the protective effect of S. tectorum on certain reproductive biomarkers in male rats exposed to aluminum. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: NTC (no-treatment control) received distilled water; NC (negative control) received drinking water containing 1 mg/L aluminum sulfate (AS); E1 received 1 mg/L AS along with an 8% S. tectorum extract; PC (positive control) received only 8% S. tectorum extract; E2 received 1 mg/L AS for three months followed by 8% extract for one month. The study analyzed testosterone, LH, FSH, body weight, and the histological structure of the testis, epididymis, and prostate, as well as the levels of zinc, manganese, copper, and iron in these organs. Significant decreases in body weight, testis, and epididymis size were observed in the aluminum-exposed groups compared to the control, whereas these decreases were not significant in the S. tectorum-treated groups compared to the control. Aluminum exposure led to significant decreases in testosterone and LH levels, with FSH levels showing a nonsignificant decrease in males, which were mitigated significantly by the administration of the plant extract. Histological analysis revealed alterations in the testis, epididymis, and prostate of the AS-exposed groups, including necrosis of seminiferous tubule epithelium and Leydig cells in the testis, and basal epithelial necrosis in the epididymis and prostate. Aluminum levels increased in all organs studied, while levels of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese decreased, showing a negative and significant correlation with aluminum levels. The aqueous extract of S. tectorum demonstrated a protective effect on certain studied biomarkers in male rats affected by aluminum exposure.

Pimpinella anisum L. Essential Oil a Valuable Antibacterial and Antifungal Alternative.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils are intensely investigated worldwide for the beneficial properties, due to the specific bioactive compound's structure. (1) Background: This study characterized the structure of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial properties. (2) Methods: An evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity targeted strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), and levure Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for structure identification, and the optical density mass loss was applied for the analysis of different dilutions of aniseed essential oils antimicrobial activity. (3) Results: A total of 13 compounds were identified, of which trans-anethole was in the highest proportion (72.49%), followed by limonene (10.01%), anisole (5%), and α-pinene (3.26%). The results obtained and statistically analyzed, utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, indicated the antimicrobial activity (p < 0.001) of anise essential oil. (4) Conclusion: Anise essential oil is a promising phyto-remedy with important antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition high percentages were found for the p. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, but also excellent antifungal activity against C. albicans was ascertained.

The antioxidant effect of Aronia melanocarpa extract in rats oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration.

BACKGROUND: The reactive oxygen species generated by numerous xenobiotic substances has as consequences the impairment of different organs normal function. Many plants pose antioxidant activity to counteract oxidative stress, among them being the chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa). The purpose of present study was to determine if the use of A. melanocarpa extract can counteract the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin administration in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was made on forty Wistar rats divided in four groups as follows: C (control): receiving i.p. 1 mL of saline solution; E1: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p.; E2: receiving cisplatin 20 mg/kg bw, i.p and A. melanocarpa berry 6 % aqueous extract as drinking water, and CB (control blank): i.p 1 mL saline solution and A. melanocarpa 6 % aqueous extract for four weeks. RESULTS: Administration of Cisplatin was followed by the increase of serum superoxide dismutase (+21.18 %, P < 0.05), catalase (+25.44 %, P < 0.001), glutathione peroxidase (+17.88 %, P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric reactive substances (+28.17 %, P < 0.01) but significantly decreased glutathione reductase (-22.35 %, P < 0.001) level comparative to control, pointing out that administration of cisplatin induced oxidative stress in rats. In groups that received A. melanocarpa extract as drinking water, we noted that the levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers tended to be restored almost to normal levels, which could be a possible good antioxidant used in condition to cisplatin use. Also, we noted a significant (P < 0.001) decrease of total antioxidant capacity in liver and kidney of rats exposed to cisplatin, recovered in those that received chokeberry. Studied trace elements important for the stress oxidative enzymes (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were decreased in cisplatin exposed groups compared to control and mainly all were almost to normal level in groups receiving A. melanocarpa. CONCLUSION: A. melanocarpa extract due to its antioxidants content could offer protection against free radicals produced as a consequence of cisplatin use.

The Behavior of Some Bacterial Strains Isolated from Fallow Deer Compared to Antimicrobial Substances in Western Romania.

(1) Background: The resistance levels of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus spp., etc., isolated from the nasal cavity and the rectum of Dama dama deer from three hunting grounds in Western Romania were assessed. (2) Methods: The analysis was completed using the diffusimetric method, compliant with CLSI reference standards, and with Vitek-2 (BioMérieux, France), on 240 samples. (3) Results: The results were statistically analyzed (by one-way ANOVA) revealing that in four of the ten E. coli strains isolated from animals, 87.5% (p < 0.001) resistance was found. E. coli strains were resistant to cephalexin (100%); seven strains were resistant to cephalothin and ampicillin; six were resistant to cefquinome and cefoperazone; five were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; and four were resistant to ceftiofur. However, E. coli was sensitive to amikacin (100%). The most efficient structures were beta-lactams, amikacin, and imipenem, to which all 47 strains studied (100%) were sensitive, followed by nitrofurantoin, to which 45 strains (95.7%) were sensitive, neomycin, to which 44 strains (93.6%) were sensitive, ceftiofur, to which 43 strains (91.5%) were sensitive, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and marbofloxacin, to which 42 strains (89.4%) were sensitive. (4) Conclusions: In wild animal populations, where a human presence is frequently reported, including a constant presence of domestic animals, despite the perceived low risk of emerging resistance to antimicrobials, resistance is likely to develop frequently.

Use of Eisenia fetida as a Biological Risk Marker in a Qualitative Eco Assessment Test of a Romanian Watercourse.

The qualitative trials were conducted by exposing earthworms to diverse contaminants sources using standard earthworms' avoidance tests (considered useful ab initio indicators). For two years, we observed the Jiu River pollution points. We observed soil traits in 15 sampling points from two neighboring Romanian counties where Jiu River flows, by evaluating the risk of pollution on Eisenia fetida earthworms. The ISO: 11268-2:2015 acute static test was used, following the ethological and bodily features of E. fetida earthworms for 14 days, and then the results obtained for clean soils vs. those presumed polluted were statistically analyzed. Results disclosed statistically significant values (p < 0.05) for the two-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparisons tests used for the soil samples thought to be polluted. The mortality percentages by location/replica/year/county find out a high statistical correlation documenting observations related to soil samples gathered from 10 m (p < 0.01) and 30 m (p < 0.001). Compared with the control, the statistical analysis of Relative Growth Rate (RGR) (p < 0.05) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) (p < 0.01) confirmed that, in the case of soil samples collected from 10 and 30 m from the Jiu River's axis, the earthworms did not gain weight, qualitatively attesting the pollution suspicion/presence of chemical factors potentially pernicious for earthworms.

The Role of Methyl-(Z)-11-tetradecenoate Acid from the Bacterial Membrane Lipid Composition in Escherichia coli Antibiotic Resistance.

Background: The bacterial membrane plays a critical role in the survival of bacteria and the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides in protecting the host. The lipid constituents of the bacterial membrane are not evenly distributed, and they could be affected by clustering anionic lipids with cationic peptides with multiple positive charges. That could be harmful to bacteria because it prevents lipids from interacting with other molecular components of the cell membrane, disrupts existing natural domains, or creates phase boundary defects between the clustered lipids and the bulk of the membrane. This preliminary quantitative study is aimed at assembling a correlation between antibiotic resistance and bacterial lipid composition in E. coli, based on the function and arrangement of the bilipid coating of the bacterial cell, intimately associated with the path of antimicrobials through membranes. Methods: Fifteen multiresistant E. coli samples are collected from swine with enterocolitis tested for resistance levels using the disc diffusimetric method (Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion). Pathogen identification completed using the API 20E multitest system revealed the E. coli presence in 11 samples. In these samples, bacterial membrane detection of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) operating a 240 MS Ion Trap (Varian) GC/MS (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) was performed, using the MIDI Sherlock recognition software model. Results: Interpreting the descriptive statistical method, the correlation matrix, and regression curves and after ANOVA analysis, we ascertained that the studied E. coli population statistically confirmed different degrees of resistance in most of the samples analyzed in this test. Conclusions: In one case, the methyl-(Z)-11-tetradecenoate acid was observed to have a relationship with the susceptibility evaluation by using the disc diffusimetric method, which has revealed the lowest rate of antimicrobial resistance, so it has importance in further resistance evaluation studies.

Pathology and Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Study of 398 Pet Reptiles.

Reptiles are potential reservoirs of bacteria that could be transmitted, thus becoming a zoonotic hazard. (1) Background: This three-year investigation surveyed the pathological status of 398 pet reptiles: chelonians, snakes (venomous/non-venomous), and lizards. The main pathological entities found were related to the skin, the sensory organs, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the genitalia, the osteo−muscular tract, surgical issues, tumors, and intoxications. (2) Methods: In 25 individuals treated with antibiotics, no clinical healing was recorded, for this reason, an antimicrobial resistance profile analysis of the 43 samples gathered was processed. An antibiogram was performed using the VITEK®2 ID-GP (bio-Mérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) automated platform, with 22 bacterial strains being isolated. (3) Results: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that the most common disease category was diseases of the digestive system, followed by diseases of the skin, respiratory system, nervous system, and reproductive system. A significant correlation (p < 0.01) between disease incidence and reptile species was reported, with correlations found between all species and diseases diagnosed. The most common bacteria isolated were Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, and Salmonella spp., but Beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter spp., and Proteus spp. were also identified. (4) Conclusions: These microorganisms revealed degrees of resistance against penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines. The animals can be categorized according to their sensitivity to diseases in the following order (most sensitive to least sensitive): chelonians, venomous snakes, non-venomous snakes, and lizards.

Quercetin Beneficial Role in the Homeostatic Variation of Certain Trace Elements in Dyslipidemic Mice.

Background: Quercetin's role in the homeostasis of certain trace elements in dyslipidemia induced in mice was assessed. Methods: Forty BALB/c mice were allocated into 4 groups as follows: control; HFD, received fat diet; HFD + Q group, received HFD +500 mg/L quercetin; and blank control (Q)-normal food + 500 mg/L quercetin in drinking water. Results: By analyzing the values of total proteins, albumins, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and the levels of several trace elements in blood and organs, we perceived a statistically significant increase ( ∗∗ , p < 0.01) of TP, ALB, TC, TGE, and LDL-c. A nonsignificant decrease was ascertained to HDL-c value in the HFD and quercetin groups (p > 0.05). In the HFD group, all analyzed elements in the kidney and spleen increased, also Cu, Li, Mg, Mn, Pb, and of B, Ba, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the heart increased, but furthermore, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn in blood, Ag and Zn in the liver, and Cd in the spleen decreased. In the HFD group who received quercetin, elements (except B) were decreased in kidney and liver, also increased Ag, Ba, Cr, Fe, Li, Ni, Zn in blood, but similarly, Ag, B, Ba, Cd, Cu, Mn, and Pb declined in the spleen and heart. Conclusions: Results proved the quercetin beneficial role.

Is ECLIA Serum Cortisol Concentration Measurement, an Accurate Indicator of Pain Severity in Dogs with Locomotor Pain?

The purpose of determining serum cortisol level is to reflect the activity of stress axis, ethological alterations, acute and chronic pain, life quality, or psychogenic stress. Although it is stated that stress can produce a measurable influence on the cortisol level, a certified value of this pain biomarker in dogs was not generally accepted yet. This study aimed to investigate if serum cortisol measured follows allopathic treatments only, or it is associated with physiotherapy, point out pain level in dogs with orthopedic disease, which could reveal the healing progress. The diagnostic identified: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, or intervertebral disc disease. Ortolani and Barden tests, together with clinical examination, drawer sign, and tibia compression test, were done in dogs exhibiting postures, and motion alteration, and X-Ray confirmed. A total of 30 dogs were grouped in healthy (n = 10) and pain groups (n = 20), the blood sampling is done at the beginning of the investigation, and after ten days of the study. Dogs were handled in two ways: G1-treated with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) only and respectively, G2-by therapy and physiotherapy. The analysis was performed on a Roche Cobas Analyzer (Roche, USA), serum cortisol being determined by Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), and statistics using ANOVA, following Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test. The results revealed that, out of ten specimens in the Control group, nine were within the normal limits: 5-65 ng × mL-1 (24.76 ± 19.48678), and one sample under the set limit. In G1, it was observed that the plasmatic P1 values were below the levels of P2, in six situations. In G2, although the status of all subjects improved radically with the removal or evident reduction of pain, confirmed clinically and imagistically, the P2 values in five dogs were higher than the initial P1 values, and in contradiction with the observed clinical reality. Comparing results, the mean difference in G1 was 0.41, and in G2 = 2.54, with an SD for G1 = 13.38, and G2 = 16.66, registering moderate development. Standard deviation illustrated that the values of treated groups were highly spread throughout the interval, and the serum cortisol assay did not generate significant statistical differences between groups in our case. This inferred the doubt whether the used detection method or values registered correctly indicates the pain levels in dog species.

Comparative Evaluation of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS Genes in Enterobacteriaceae Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Cases, in Swine Units and a Hospital from Western Romania.

Excessive use of antimicrobials and inadequate infection control practices has turned antimicrobial resistance (AMR) into a global, public health peril. We studied the expression of qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS plasmid in ciprofloxacin (CIP)-resistant strains of Escherichia coli in swine and humans from Romania, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) for human subjects (H) on 147 samples and 53 swine (S) was ascertained as well as the isolation of bacterial DNA (E. coli) as follows: bacteriolysis, DNA-binding, rinsing, elution, amplification, and nucleic acids' migration and U.V. visualization stages. From 24 samples of E. coli resistant to CIP collected from H subjects and 15 from S, for PCR analysis, 15 H and 12 S were used, with DNA purity of 1.8. The statistically analyzed results using the Crosstabs function (IBM SPSS Statistics-Ver. 2.1.), revealed the qnrS (417 bp) gene in 13 human subjects (52.0%), as well as in all swine samples studied. The qnrB (526 bp) gene was exposed in 9 of the human patients (36.0%) and in all swine isolates, and the qnrA (516 bp) gene was observed only in 3 of the isolates obtained from human subjects (12.0%) and was not discovered in pigs (p > 0.05). The presence of plasmids qnrA, qnrB, and qnrS in the human samples and of qnrB and qnrS in swine, facilitates the survival of pathogens despite the CIP action. The long-term use of CIP could cause a boost in the prevalence of qnr resistance genes, and resistance in the pigs destined for slaughter, a perturbing fact for public health and the human consumer.

Sea Buckthorn and Grape Antioxidant Effects in Hyperlipidemic Rats: Relationship with the Atorvastatin Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Medications to reduce oxidative stress are preventing cellular damage associated with hyperlipidemia. In this regard, statins (e.g., atorvastatin) act primarily by decrease in low-density lipoprotein-c but, in the last decade, hepatotoxicity, associated with liver injuries in the next months after treatments' initiation, was reported. In this case, associated phytotherapy can be a solution. PURPOSE: To investigate the antioxidant potential and response to free radicals, in the case of hyperlipidemic rats treated with atorvastatin. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and a grape extract (antioxivita) efficiency in the oxidative stress were investigated, also being ascertained the rats' organs cytoarchitecture. METHODS: Eighty-four hyperlipidemic Wistar rats were divided into seven groups and orally treated as follows: ATS, atorvastatin (20 mg/kg·bw); ATS + Hr, atorvastatin + H. rhamnoides; ATS + Aox, atorvastatin + grape extract; Hr, H. rhamnoides; and Aox, grape extract (both as 100 mg/kg·bw). HFD and Control received high fat diet and normal fodder only. After two and six months, respectively, rats were euthanized and the heart, liver, and kidneys were gathered. The tissue samples were prepared by homogenization of 0.5 g tissue, in ethanol, kept for 48 hours at 4°C-10°C and then filtered, in order to assess organs' cytoarchitecture and the TAC's values (by using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay). The test tubes were incubated, at room temperature, for 30 minutes, and then analyzed using a spectrophotometer at 450-650 nm. RESULTS: The statistics (ANOVA) revealed that sea buckthorn diminished notably (p < 0.001) the oxidative stress in the heart, liver, and kidney. After six months, the TAC's reduced levels for the heart were significant (p < 0.001) in ATS + Aox. In the case of histology, the liver's cytoarchitecture in ATS revealed abnormal cytoarchitecture. In ATS + Hr, ATS + Aox, Hr, and Aox, cell regeneration improved in different stages, especially for ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox, in comparison with HFD, which exhibited fat degeneration. Kidney's cytoarchitecture revealed cellular healing, especially in ATS + Hr and ATS + Aox.

Homeostatic changes of some trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum and the beneficial role of resveratrol.

BACKGROUND: Elderly individuals are exposed to trace element imbalances due to the reduced capacity of their organism to utilize minerals in a direct relationship with many circumstances. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the protective role of resveratrol upon the homeostatic changes of some trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum exposure. Forty Wistar rats, 18-20 months old, were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10): control (C) - receiving 1 ml of physiologically saline (P.S.) via intraperitoneal (i.p) administration, E1 - 1 ml of P.S. and 1000 ppb aluminum sulphate (AS) in drinking water ad libitum, E2 - 20 mg/kg-1 resveratrol, i.p. and 1000 ppb AS in drinking water, E3 - 20 mg/kg-1 resveratrol i.p. The groups C and E3 received distilled water as drinking water ad libitum. The i.p administrations were once a week for four weeks period. The levels of oxidative stress marker's were analyzed (glutathione, glutathione' peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of the proteins' (total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin) in serum and also the levels of the main trace elements (copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese and magnesium) in blood, liver, kidney and spleen. RESULTS: Significant decrease (p < 0.05) of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), catalase (CAT), increase significant (p < 0.05) of glutathione reductase (GSH-r), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in E1 groups, compared with control, E2, and E3 groups was ascertained. There were also observed significant (p < 0.05) decreases in Cu, Zn, Fe and Mg, not significant (p > 0.05) increase of Se and Mn in blood, significant (p < 0.01) increase of Cu, Zn, Mg, Se, Mn in kidney and liver and Fe, in spleen of geriatric rats from E1 group compared to the control group. Insignificant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in groups which received resveratrol (E2 and E3) compared to the control group, but significant differences (p < 0.05), especially in blood and liver samples, compared to E1. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that resveratrol can prevent the homeostatic imbalance of trace elements in geriatric rats in the condition of oxidative stress induced by aluminum exposure.

The effect of cisplatin administration on certain trace elements homeostasis in rats and the protective effect of silver birch (Betula pendula) sap.

BACKGROUND: A clinically active structure with known antitumor activities is cisplatin (CDDP), but this it comes with toxicity characteristics which can be faded by the beneficial effects of Silver birch (Betula pendula) sap. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the cisplatin activity on: Mn, Mg, Cu, Fe and Zn homeostasis in rats and to observe the effect of birch sap. METHODS: Healthy Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were divided in four groups: Control: receiving 1 mL saline I.P. way + water; E1: cisplatin 20 mg kgbw-1, I.P.; E2: cisplatin 20 mg kgbw-1, I.P. + birch sap and Control sap group: 1 mL saline I.P. + birch sap. Blood was collected: at the trial's start and after 48 h, and blood and organs (liver, kidney and spleen) for the cytoarchitecture investigation and readings were sampled after seven days. Samples were processed in nitric acid by microwave digestion and readings were completed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, the outcomes being statistically analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS: Cisplatin produced a significant imbalance in the trace elements homeostasis, the birch sap administration recovering them usual homeostasis status. Comparatively with the Control, rats exposed to cisplatin presented a not significant (p > 0.05) decrease of Zn (-26.74%) and Mg (-10.25%), a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of Cu (-27.73%) at 48 h, a highly significant (p < 0.01) decrease of Cu (-56.08%) and Fe (-85.35%) at seven days after administration and a not significant (p > 0.05) increase of Mn (+28.16%). Birch sap administration after Cisplatin was followed by restoration or nevertheless significant increase (p < 0.05) of the investigated trace elements Zn (+56.88% to 48 h/+89.94% after seven days), Mg (+26.86%/+95.74%), Cu (+23.13%/+74.56%), Fe (+39.64%/+440.11%) and Mn (+4.30%/+15.87%), suggesting them defence against cisplatin. Histology revealed the order of main altered organs after the CDDP exposure: kidney, spleen and liver. CONCLUSIONS: The study recommended the important protective role of Betula pendula sap against diverse cisplatin deleterious side-effects.

The consequences of aluminium intake on reproductive function in male rats:a three-generation study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The effects of aluminium exposure on reproductive biomarkers in male rats were followed in a three-generation study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Wistar male rats (F0) were divided into the following groups: control (C), receiving only tap water, and three experimental (E) groups, receiving aluminium sulphate (AS) (E1: 200 ppb, E2: 400 ppb, and E3: 1000 ppb) in drinking water for a 6-month exposure period. To obtain F1, three males from each group were mated with previously unexposed females (1:2 sex ratios) that during gestation and lactation were exposed to the same AS levels as males. The F1 generation male offspring were divided as described and exposed to the same AS levels. The protocol to obtain F2 was similar to that described for F1. RESULTS: Significantly lower testosterone levels in rats exposed to AS and in generations F1 and F2 compared to the parental one, luteinising hormone (LH) fluctuations in F0 and a significant LH decrease in F2 and F3 generations, testis weight decrease, increased immobile and abnormal sperm, and histoarchitecture alterations in the testes were observed. Moreover, interval between deliveries increased. CONCLUSION: Chronic exposure to AS was significantly deleterious, producing a pronounced decrease in the sperm count and testosterone levels in all experimental groups.

Phytotherapeutic activity of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts on Ixodidae (Acari) female ticks.

BACKGROUND: Given its numerous biologically active components, Euphorbiaceae has been found to be a large plant family and polyvalent with quite interesting therapeutic activity that can be studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ixodicidal activity of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts was studied in vitro and in vivo. Tested concentrations were 10, 5, 2, 1, 0.5 and 0.25%. RESULTS: For the in vitro study, conducted on field-collected female specimens of Dermacentor marginatus and Haemaphysalis punctata, the efficacy results showed that the ticks died after exposure in the case of 10, 5, and 2% tincture concentrations. The effects appeared after 30 minutes and became more visible 120 minutes after each exposure. The statistical differences regarding the used concentrations were found to be: F = 6.51, df = 5, P < 0.001. The in vivo study of the efficacy of E. cyparissias concentrations was performed on 35 naturally infested sheep and on 30 bovines parasitized with Ixodes ricinus, sprayed with tincture and glycerinate dilutions (bovines) on days 0 and 7. The results revealed detrimental effects on the survivability of female ticks, the most prominent being the reduction of their movement capacity. In sheep in vivo efficiency observed within 24 hrs varied, between 1 and 23% for D. marginatus and between 7 and 27% for H. punctata and respectively between 2 and 53% after 24 hrs, for I. ricinus, comparable effects being also found 72 hrs after the second administration of Euphorbia extracts. CONCLUSION: Extracts from E. cyparissias may be used, with results, as an ecologic alternative tick control management method, being a cheap solution, with a sizeable role in reducing the use of synthetic and/or other harming and resistance source ixodicidal conditionings.

Effect of Euphorbia cyparissias ointments on acanthosis.

BACKGROUND: A pharmaco-chemical investigation of the Euphorbia cyparissias plant was justified by its known multiple therapeutic valences. Numerous components from extracts and latex of Euphorbiacae were identified, revealing a large plant family with a polyvalent therapeutic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to assess the skin tolerance level to irritation on different testing concentrations, of Euphorbia cyparissias extracts and ointments. Study was accomplished in rats and dogs, with the identification of all possible skin injuries and histological changes, after a simple patch test methodology. RESULTS: Ointment dermatological testing on rats, proved to be bearable on epilated skin at concentrations of 1, 2 and 5%. Ointments and mother tincture with higher concentrations (10% and 20%), led to irritation and cutis damages, and this was revealed through histology. CONCLUSION: Ointment tested on dog's skin was tolerable for epilated skin to concentrations of 1, 2 and/or 5%, additional testing on human volunteers confirmed the same situation.

The impact of exogenic testosterone and nortestosterone-decanoate toxicological evaluation using a rat model.

The impact of exogenic testosterone (T): 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg.bw) and 19-nortestosterone 17-decanoate (ND): 1.5 and 7.5 mg/kg.bw) in castrated male rats was evaluated based on: (a) weight increase of the androgen target tissues, respecting the Hershberger methodology; (b) the 17α and ß-testosterone, 17 α and ß-estradiol and 17 α and ß-nortestosterone levels using the GC-MS/MS technique; and (c) observation of the serum free thyroxine levels (T4). Results revealed that T and ND significantly increased the weight of androgen target tissues as follows: ND was more influential on seminal vesicles, levator ani-bulbocavernosus muscle (LABC) and Cowper's glands and T (at a dose of 3.0 mg/kg.bw) influenced the weight of the ventral prostate and glans penis. Serum samples analyzed for steroid hormone levels showed the presence of 17ß-testosterone, 17ß-estradiol and 17ß-nor-testosterone, in castrated male rats injected with testosterone and nortestosterone, but no significant differences were found between thyroid responses and thyroid hormone levels. The results of this research proved the disrupting activity of T and ND when administered in high doses and the useful application of the Hershberger bioassay in the case of ND.

Cytoarchitecture of steroid dependent target tissues after testosterone administration compared to nandrolone decanoate in castrated rats in the aim of Hershberger bio test.

The objective was the cytoarchitecture evaluation of known steroid dependent target tissues after administering of testosterone, compared to action of its more active ester, nortestosterone (nandrolone decanoate) in castrated rat males in the aim of Hershberger bio test. Study was performed on 30 castrated male Wistar rats, aged between 35 and 39 days, in peripubertal period, divided into five groups. Androgen doses administration begun at the rats' age of 49 days. Animals were injected i.m., daily, for 10 consecutive days as follows: Aquatest (Balkan Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Moldova) testosterone aqueous solution: Testosterone I group (0.4 mg/animal); Testosterone II (0.8 mg/animal); (Deca-Durabolin, Balkan Pharmaceuticals); nandrolone decanoate oily solution: Nortestosterone I (1.5 mg/kg body weight); Nortestosterone II (7.5 mg/kg body weight) and Control (White sesame oil, Manicos, Romania, 0.1 mL/animal). Gonadectomy (GDX) induced modifications of target tissues wet weight accompanied by important modifications in cytoarchitecture. Changes following exogenous administration of testosterone and nortestosterone decanoate were found in: liver (granular dystrophy, mega-mitochondria, tubular intumescences), prostate (increasing of the structural elements), seminal vesicles (hyalinosis, thickening of cell walls and the hyaline presence), levator ani-bulbo-cavernosus muscle (muscle fibbers dilacerations), bulbourethral glands (muscular fibbers rarefaction by fluid accumulation) demonstrating the disruptor activity especially for overdosed nandrolone decanoate.