Testicular histomorphometric patterns and spermatogenesis dynamics of Oecomys bicolor tomes, 1860 (Rodentia: Cricetidae).

Although the order Rodentia does not present a high risk of extinction compared to mammals as a whole, several families demonstrate high levels of threat and/or data deficiency, therefore highlighting the need for targeted research and the application of ecological and reproductive data to the development of conservation actions. The order Rodentia, the largest among mammals, includes 9 families, and the family Cricetidae is the most diverse of the Brazilian rodents. In Brazil, 12 of the 16 genera of Oecomys are found. Oecomys bicolor is known in Brazil as the 'arboreal rat' and is, found in dry, deciduous and tropical forests. The mean body weight of Oecomys bicolor was 35.8 g and the gonadal, tubular and epithelial somatic indexes were, 0.53%, 0.47% and 0.37%, respectively. Seminiferous tubules volume density was 89.72% and the mitotic and meiotic indexes corresponded to 8.59 and 2.45 cells, respectively, and the yield of spermatogenesis was 23.83 cells. The intertubular compartment represented 10.28% of the testis parenchyma and around 5% of the interstitial space was occupied by Leydig cells, whose number per gram of testis was 11.10 × 107 cells. By evaluating the biometric and histomorphometric characteristics of the testis, there is evidence that this species has a high investment in reproduction. Due to the high contribution of the seminiferous epithelium and the intertubular compartment in this species, compared to the others of the same family, it is possible to infer that the species Oecomys bicolor has a promiscuous reproductive behaviour.

Comparative effects of finasteride and minoxidil on the male reproductive organs: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo evidence.

Finasteride and minoxidil are medicaments commonly prescribed for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPA), hypertension, and/or androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The mechanism of action of finasteride is based on the interference in androgenic pathways, which may lead to fertility-related disorders in men. Minoxidil, however, can act in multiple ways, and there is no consensus that its use can adversely affect male fertility. Since finasteride and minoxidil could be risk factors for male fertility, we aimed to compare their impact on the two reproductive organs testis and epididymis of adult murine models, besides testis/epididymis-related cells, and describe the mechanism of action involved. For such, we used the PRISMA guideline. We included 31 original studies from a structured search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. For in vivo studies, the bias analysis and the quality of the studies were assessed as described by SYRCLE (Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation). We concluded that finasteride and minoxidil act as hormone disruptors, causing oxidative stress and morphological changes mainly in the testis. Our results also revealed that finasteride treatment could be more harmful to male reproductive health because it was more associated with reproductive injuries, including damage to the epididymis, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and reduced semen volume. Thus, this study contributes to the global understanding of the mechanisms by which medicaments used for alopecia might lead to male reproductive disorders. We hope that our critical analysis expedites clinical research and reduces methodological bias. The registration number on the Prospero platform is CRD42022313347.

Toxicology of arsenate, arsenite, cadmium, lead, chromium, and nickel in testes of adult Swiss mice after chronic exposure by intraperitoneal route.

BACKGROUND: Some residues such as the heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr VI), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As), this last one in its oxidized forms + 5 (arsenate) and + 3 (arsenite), can cause injuries to human health, so they are currently considered environmental health emergencies. In the testis, heavy metals can cause morphological and functional damage due to constant exposure acting chronically in individuals. Thus, we aimed to determine the toxicological mechanism of As+5, As+3, Cd, Cr VI, and Ni that leads to testicular damage and establish for the first time an order of toxicity among these studied heavy metals. METHODS: Forty-two Swiss mice at reproductive age (140 days) were used, randomly distributed into seven experimental groups (n = 6). Exposure to heavy metals was weekly performed, by intraperitoneal route. Group 1 received 0.7 mL 0.9% saline (control), and the other groups received 1.5 mg/ kg of As+5, As+3, Cd, Pb, Cr VI, or Ni, for six weeks. RESULTS: These studied heavy metals did not accumulate in the testis tissue. However, exposure to Ni induced moderate pathologies in the seminiferous tubules, plus changes in the tunica propria, blood vessels, lymphatic space, and carbonyl protein levels. Cd exposure caused moderate tubular histopathologies and changes in the blood vessels and lymphatic space. Cr VI induced slight tubular histopathologies, changes in the lymphatic space, blood vessels, and SOD activity. Pb and As+3 exposure triggered moderate tubular pathologies and changes in the SOD activity and carbonyl protein levels, respectively. Finally, As+5 induced only slight tubular pathologies. CONCLUSION: The testicular histopathologies caused by the studied heavy metals are mainly triggered by changes in testicular oxidative balance. Based on our findings of histomorphological alterations, the toxicity order among the heavy metals is Ni>Cd>Cr(VI)>PbAs+3 >As+5. However, considering oxidative stress results, we propose the following testicular toxicity order for these heavy metals: Ni>As+3 > Cd>Cr(VI)>Pb>As+5. Ni exposure shows the most harmful among the heavy metals to the testis.

Curcumin-Added Whey Protein Positively Modulates Skeletal Muscle Inflammation and Oxidative Damage after Exhaustive Exercise.

(1) Background: Exhaustive exercise can induce muscle damage. The consumption of nutritional compounds with the ability to positively influence the oxidative balance and an exacerbated inflammatory process has been previously studied. However, little is known about the nutritional value of curcumin (CCM) when mixed with whey protein concentrate (WPC). This study was developed to evaluate the effect of CCM-added WPC on inflammatory and oxidative process control and histopathological consequences in muscle tissue submitted to an exhaustive swimming test (ET). (2) Methods: 48 animals were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 8). An ET was performed 4 weeks after the start of the diet and animals were euthanized 24 h post ET. (3) Results: WPC + CCM and CCM groups reduced IL-6 and increased IL-10 expression in muscle tissue. CCM reduced carbonyl protein after ET compared to standard AIN-93M ET and WPC + CCM ET diets. Higher nitric oxide concentrations were observed in animals that consumed WPC + CCM and CCM. Consumption of WPC + CCM or isolated CCM reduced areas of inflammatory infiltrate and fibrotic tissue in the muscle. (4) Conclusions: WPC + CCM and isolated CCM contribute to the reduction in inflammation and oxidative damage caused by the exhaustive swimming test.

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.

Kombuchas from green and black teas reduce oxidative stress, liver steatosis and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of green and black tea kombuchas consumption on adiposity, lipid and glucose metabolism, liver steatosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Wistar rats, after 8 weeks to induce metabolic alterations, were divided into an AIN-93M control group, HFHF control group, green tea kombucha + HFHF diet (GTK group), and black tea kombucha + HFHF diet (BTK group), for 10 weeks. The kombuchas improved glucose metabolism, plasma total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, and decreased nitric oxide concentration. Moreover, both kombuchas reduced systemic inflammation by decreasing the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), reduced the total adipose tissue and blood triglyceride, and reverted liver steatosis (from grade 2 to 1), besides the modulation of genes related to adipogenesis and ß-oxidation. Therefore, kombuchas from green and black teas have bioactive properties that can help control metabolic alterations induced by the HFHF diet.

Different Routes of Administration Lead to Different Oxidative Damage and Tissue Disorganization Levels on the Subacute Cadmium Toxicity in the Liver.

The toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on hepatic parameters are widely described in the literature. Experimental models often make use of the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) because it is easier to apply, while in the oral route, Cd poisoning in humans is best represented by allowing the metal to pass through the digestive system and be absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus, this study investigated the Cd exposure impact on the liver, by comparing both i.p. and oral routes, both in single dose, in addition to the oral route in fractional doses. Swiss adult male mice received CdCl2 1.5 mg/kg i.p., 30 mg/kg oral single dose, and 4.28 mg/kg oral route in fractional doses for 7 consecutive days. Cd bioaccumulation was observed in all animals exposed to Cd. Hepatic concentrations of Ca and Fe increased only in the fractionated oral route. Liver activities of SOD and CAT increased only by oral single dose. GST decreased in all forms of oral administration, while MDA decreased only in i.p. route. Liver weight and HSI increased in the i.p. route, while organ volume increased in all forms of oral administration, and liver density increased in all animals exposed to Cd. In hepatic histomorphometry, the changes were more evident in oral administration, mainly in exposure to metal in a single dose. Thus, the subacute administration of Cd in different routes of administration leads to different changes in liver poisoning.

Cadmium Exposure and Testis Susceptibility: a Systematic Review in Murine Models.

It is known that cadmium induces damage to the testis. However, the significant cadmium impact on the testicular architecture and the mechanisms involved in this process are not clear. Besides, the relationship between dose, route, and time of exposure and injuries remains poorly understood. Thus, we aimed to assess whether cadmium exposure in any dose, route, and time of exposure causes significant alteration in the testicular tissue of murine models, as well as the main mechanisms involved. We performed a structured search on the Medline/PubMed and Scopus databases to retrieve studies published until September 2018. The results were organized into an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework. Also, a bias analysis of included studies was performed. We included 37 studies, and most of them identified significant histopathologies in both tubule and intertubule regarding routes, in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The damages were observed after the first hours of exposure, mainly vascular damages suggesting that vasculature failure is the primary mechanism. The AOP showed that potential molecular initiating events may mimic and interfere with essential elements disrupting proteins (structural and antioxidants), change in the oxidative phosphorylation enzyme activities, and gene expression alteration, which lead to reproductive failure (adverse outcome). Analysis of methodological quality showed that the current evidence is at high risk of bias. Despite the high risk of bias, cadmium triggers significant lesions in the testis of murine models, regarding routes, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, mainly due to vascular changes. Therefore, cadmium is a risk factor for male reproductive health.

Descriptive morphometry and stereology in accessing the testis structure and function of the marsupial Philander frenatus (Olfers, 1818) (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae).

Philander frenatus is an important marsupial for the maintenance and conservation of the Atlantic Rainforest, however, it has biological characteristics that are still little explored. The study of the reproductive biology is an important key to understand the species reproductive strategies and to improve the development of conservation and management activities. The present study aimed to conduct a histological and morphometric investigation of the testis structure and function of P. frenatus. The average body and testicular weight were 445 g and 0.74 g, respectively, with a gonadosomatic index of 0.17%. The seminiferous tubules occupying 64.95% of the organ, totalising 9.26 m per gram of testis. The tubulesomatic and epitheliumsomatic indexes were 0.10% and 0.07%, respectively. Philander frenatus showed cell loss of approximately 98% during the proliferative phase and the spermatogenic yield was 10.3 cells. The high loss during the mitotic phase contributed to the low spermatogenic yield. The testicular parenchyma was composed of 35% of intertubular components, one of the highest proportions observed in mammals. Leydig cells were responsible for approximately 25% of the testes, followed by lymphatic space (6.44%), blood vessels and connective tissue (4% together). The organisation of the intertubular components resembles the Fawcett III category. The volume and number of Leydig cell per gram of testis were 2,627.12 µm3 and 91.28 × 106 cells, respectively. High investment in the intertubular compartment, specifically number and volume of Leydig cells in P. frenatus is consistent with territorial behaviour and polygynic mating system, which have greater androgenic capacity.

Evaluation of the efficacy of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile in vivo.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate and compare the effect of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours on lipid metabolism and antioxidant potential in vivo. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were induced to oxidative stress with paracetamol and fed a normal diet (AIN-93M) and diets containing toasted tannin sorghum flour and toasted white sorghum flour (without tannins), replacing 100% cellulose, during 29 days. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by biochemical tests and by quantifying oxidative stress markers. Groups that received toasted sorghum flour with and without tannins showed reduction of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration and improvement of lipid profile, with increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to paracetamol control, and did not differ statistically from the AIN-93M control. Moreover, toasted white sorghum flour presented similar efficacy in reducing oxidative stress in liver tissue compared to toasted tannin sorghum flour, although the former had lower total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, suggesting a greater effect of small phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, in the prevention of oxidative stress. Therefore, toasted white and tannin sorghum flours had similar efficacy to improve the lipid profile and oxidative stress in rats treated with paracetamol, constituting potential sources of antioxidants, which can be used as promising ready-to-eat foods and as ingredients for the development of sorghum-based products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The health benefits of sorghum coupled with the growing interest of the food industry in producing healthier food products have motivated the development of toasted sorghum flours as potential sources of antioxidants and dietary fiber. We have demonstrated that consumption of toasted white and tannin sorghum flours by rats treated with paracetamol had similar efficacy to improve oxidative stress and lipid profile. Thus, these toasted sorghum flours have great potential to be used by the food industry as ready-to-eat foods or as ingredients in the development of various food products.

Euterpe oleracea (Martius) Oil Reverses Testicular Alterations Caused after Cadmium Administration.

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that induces reproductive toxicity by generating reactive oxygen species, which leads to oxidative stress. Euterpe oleracea fruits are known for being rich in oils containing triacylglycerol and phenolic compounds. They are considered as potent antioxidants to be used to counteract Cd effects within the testis. In the present study, adult males Swiss mice were treated with CdCl2 aqueous solution (4.28 mg/kg) by gavage for 7 days. The experimental groups were treated with Euterpe oleracea oil at the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg, for 42 days. The results showed that Cd intoxication led to increased tubular pathologies, such as reduction in epithelium height and area thus increasing both luminal diameter and tubule-epithelium ratio. Besides, Leydig cell's morphometry indicated reduction in nucleus and cytoplasm volumes of this cell type, which were recovered after E. oleracea oil intake. In addition, serum testosterone levels, testicular Mn and Zn concentrations, SOD and CAT activity, and germ cell viability increased after oil intake. Therefore, E. oleracea oil showed a regenerative effect in the testicular parenchyma negatively affected by Cd, mainly in the animals that received the highest oil concentration (150 mg/kg).

Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice: Subacute and Subchronic Route-Dependent Effects.

This study aimed to compare Cd exposure by intraperitoneal (i.p.) and oral routes, evaluating the testicular subacute and subchronic effects. Adult male mice were separated into three groups subdivided according to the experimental period (7 and 42 days after Cd exposure: subacute and subchronic effects, respectively): one group received water and two groups received CdCl2 (1.2 mg/kg i.p. and 24 mg/kg oral). The testicular concentration of essential minerals and Cd, activity of antioxidant enzymes and markers of oxidative stress, histology, and testicular histomorphometry were evaluated. The subacute effect of oral Cd showed reduced Fe concentration, while Ca and Cu increased in this route. The subchronic effect promoted decreasing in Mg in i.p. and oral routes, whereas Zn decreased only in the oral, and the Fe concentration did not change. SOD activity decreased in the oral subacute evaluation and in both pathways, i.p. and oral routes, in the subchronic evaluation, while GST activity increased, and MDA concentration decreased. Labeling of apoptotic cells was increased in the subacute and subchronic evaluation. Seminiferous epithelium degeneration, death of germ cells, and Leydig cell damages occurred in i.p. and oral routes. However, these damages were more intense in the oral route, mainly evaluating the subchronic effects. The results confirm that the severity of Cd-induced testicular injury depends on the pathway, as well as the duration of exposure.

Whole flour and protein hydrolysate from common beans reduce the inflammation in BALB/c mice fed with high fat high cholesterol diet.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a source of bioactive peptides, but little is known about its effects on hypercholesterolemia, oxidative stress, and the inflammatory process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole flour and bean protein hydrolysate of common bean variety Carioca on inflammation and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice. Four experimental groups were included in the study: standard diet (SD), high fat high cholesterol diet (HFC), high fat high cholesterol diet and whole bean flour (HFC-F); and high fat high cholesterol diet and bean protein hydrolysate (HFC-PH). Animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate showed lower weight gain and food intake. Animals fed with whole bean flour showed lower alanine aminotransferase and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than animals fed with bean protein hydrolysate. SOD mRNA was lower in HFC, HFC-F and HFC-PH groups whereas SOD concentration was higher in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups. HSP72 mRNA expression was lower in the HFC-F group in relation to HFC-PH. IL-10 and PPARα mRNA expression was lower in HFC-F and HFC-PH groups in comparison with SD. The whole bean flour and bean protein hydrolysate reduced inflammation and the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in BALB/c mice.

Animal model of arthritis and myositis induced by the Mayaro virus.

BACKGROUND: The Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an endemic arbovirus in South American countries, where it is responsible for sporadic outbreaks of Mayaro fever. Clinical manifestations include fever, headache, ocular pain, rash, myalgia, and debilitating and persistent polyarthralgia. Understanding the mechanisms associated with MAYV-induced arthritis is of great importance due to the potential for its emergence, urbanization and dispersion to other regions. METHODS: 15-day old Balb/c mice were infected by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad. Animals were observed for a period of 21 days. During this time, they were monitored every 24 hours for disease signs, such as weight loss and muscle weakness. Histological damage in the muscles and joints was evaluated 3, 7, 10, 15 and 20 days post-infection. The cytokine profile in serum and muscles during MAYV infection was evaluated by flow cytometry at different post-infection times. For pain analysis, the animals were submitted to the von Frey test and titre in different organs was evaluated throughout the study to obtain viral kinetics. FINDINGS: Infection by two distinct pathways, below the forelimb and in the rear footpad, resulted in a homogeneous viral spread and the development of acute disease in animals. Clinical signs were observed such as ruffled fur, hunched posture, eye irritation and slight gait alteration. In the physical test, both groups presented loss of resistance, which was associated with histopathological damage, including myositis, arthritis, tenosynovitis and periostitis. The immune response was characterized by a strong inflammatory response mediated by the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and INF-γ and chemokine MCP-1, followed by the action of IL-10 and IL-4 cytokines. INTERPRETATION: The results showed that Balb/c mice represent a promising model to study mechanisms involved in MAYV pathogenesis and for future antiviral testing.

Hydroalcoholic extract of Pfaffia glomerata alters the organization of the seminiferous tubules by modulating the oxidative state and the microstructural reorganization of the mice testes.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL USAGES: Leaves and roots of Pfaffia glomerata areused as aphrodisiacs, tranquilizers and antirheumatics. Due to the lack of experimental scientific data, studies are necessary to identify its medicinal properties. AIMS: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic root extract of P. glomerata (Brazilian ginseng extract - BGE) on testicular parenchyma, and evaluate possible harmful effects through testicular oxidative stress analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult mice were divided into 6 groups: control (water), sildenafil citrate, BGE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day), and BGE (200 mg/kg every three days). RESULTS: The treatment reduced the volumetric proportions of seminiferous tubules and epithelium, the number of Sertoli cells, and increased hydrogen peroxide levels, without affecting sperm production. It also caused cell death and changes in the frequency of stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycles. The 100 mg/kg dose responds in a similar way to sildenafil citrate, promoting changes in the gonadal structure, but with efficient response to contain the damage. CONCLUSIONS: Doses of 200 mg/kg, continuous or discontinuous, induced an increase in testicular nitric oxide, as well as sildenafil citrate, showing be efficient as aphrodisiac, but promotes cell death regardless of the form of administration.

Effect of a high-fat diet and alcohol on cutaneous repair: A systematic review of murine experimental models.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic alcohol intake associated with an inappropriate diet can cause lesions in multiple organs and tissues and complicate the tissue repair process. In a systematic review, we analyzed the relevance of alcohol and high fat consumption to cutaneous and repair, compared the main methodologies used and the most important parameters tested. Preclinical investigations with murine models were assessed to analyze whether the current evidence support clinical trials. METHODS: The studies were selected from MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases, according to Fig 1. All 15 identified articles had their data extracted. The reporting bias was investigated according to the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments) strategy. RESULTS: In general, animals offered a high-fat diet and alcohol showed decreased cutaneous wound closure, delayed skin contraction, chronic inflammation and incomplete re-epithelialization. CONCLUSION: In further studies, standardized experimental design is needed to establish comparable study groups and advance the overall knowledge background, facilitating data translatability from animal models to human clinical conditions.

Effect of Topical Administration of Fractions and Isolated Molecules from Plant Extracts on Skin Wound Healing: A Systematic Review of Murine Experimental Models.

Background and Purpose. Skin wound healing is a dynamic process driven by molecular events responsible for the morphofunctional repair of the injured tissue. In a systematic review, we analyzed the relevance of plant fractions and isolates on skin wound healing. By revising preclinical investigations with murine models, we investigated if the current evidence could support clinical trials. Methods. Studies were selected in the MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases according to the PRISMA statement. All 32 identified studies were submitted to data extraction and the methodological bias was investigated according to ARRIVE strategy. Results. The studies demonstrated that plant fractions and isolates are able to modulate the inflammatory process during skin wound healing, being also effective in attenuating the oxidative tissue damage in the scar tissue and stimulating cell proliferation, neoangiogenesis, collagen synthesis, granulation tissue expansion, reepithelialization, and the wound closure rate. However, we identified serious methodological flaws in all studies, such as the high level of reporting bias and absence of standardized experimental designs, analytical methods, and outcome measures. Conclusion. Considering these limitations, the current evidence generated from flawed methodological animal studies makes it difficult to determine the relevance of herbal medicines to treat skin wounds and derails conducting clinical studies.

Chia Seed Shows Good Protein Quality, Hypoglycemic Effect and Improves the Lipid Profile and Liver and Intestinal Morphology of Wistar Rats.

Chia has been consumed by the world population due to its high fiber, lipids and proteins content. The objective was to evaluate the protein quality of chia untreated (seed and flour) and heat treated (90 °C/20 min), their influence on glucose and lipid homeostasis and integrity of liver and intestinal morphology of Wistar rats. 36 male rats, weanling, divided into six groups which received control diet (casein), free protein diet (aproteic) and four diet tests (chia seed; chia seed with heat treatment; chia flour and chia flour with heat treatment) for 14 days were used. The protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR) and true digestibility (TD) were evaluated. The biochemical variables and liver and intestinal morphologies of animals were determined. The values of PER, NPR and TD did not differ among the animals that were fed with chia and were lower than the control group. The animals that were fed with chia showed lower concentrations of glucose; triacylglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control group. The liver weight of animals that were fed with chia was lower than the control group. Crypt depth and thickness of intestinal muscle layers were higher in groups that were fed with chia. The consumption of chia has shown good digestibility, hypoglycemic effect, improved lipid and glycemic profiles and reduced fat deposition in liver of animals, and also promoted changes in intestinal tissue that enhanced its functionality.

Schizocalyx cuspidatus (A. St.-Hil.) Kainul. & B. Bremer extract improves antioxidant defenses and accelerates the regression of hepatic fibrosis after exposure to carbon tetrachloride in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of leaves extract of Schizocalyx cuspidatus (A. St.-Hil.) Kainul. & B. Bremer on hepatic morphofunctional dysfunction induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Liver lesions were induced via intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 every 48 h for 12 days. Forty-nine rats were randomised into seven groups: G1: CCl4; G2: CCl4 (animals euthanised 24 h after last CCl4 application); G3: CCl4 + DMSO; G4: SCE 400 mg/kg; G5: DMSO (700 µl); G6: CCl4 + SCE 200 mg/kg and G7: CCl4 + SCE 400 mg/kg. SCE administration resulted in reduction in hydroperoxide levels, lipidic droplets and necrosis compared to G1, G2 and G3. There was an increase in the amount of collagen fibres in G1, G2 and G3 compared to the groups. These results show that the extract of SCE leaves has great potential for the recovery of liver damage after the application of CCl4.

Effects of Sodium Arsenite and Arsenate in Testicular Histomorphometry and Antioxidants Enzymes Activities in Rats.

The main source of environmental arsenic exposure in most countries of the world is drinking water in which inorganic forms of arsenic predominate. The present study was aimed to test the impact of two different compounds of inorganic arsenic in histomorphometric and enzymatic parameters in the testes by oral exposition. Adult Wistar male rats were exposed to sodium arsenite and arsenate in drinking water, testing for each chemical form the concentrations of 0.01 and 10 mg/L per 56 days. The animals intoxicated with arsenic, mainly sodium arsenite, showed reduction in the percentage of seminiferous epithelium and in proportion and volume of Leydig cells. Moreover, there was an increase in the percentage of tunica propria, lumen, lymphatic space, blood vessels, and macrophages. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not change among the groups. However, the activity of catalase (CAT) decreased in animals exposed to both arsenic compounds. In addition, the higher concentration of arsenic, mainly as sodium arsenite, caused vacuolization in the seminiferous epithelium. The body and testes weight as well as testosterone concentration remained unchanged among the groups. In conclusion, exposition to arsenic, mainly as sodium arsenite, caused alteration in histomorphometric parameters and antioxidant defense system in the testes.