Phycocyanin improved alcohol-induced hepatorenal toxicity and behavior impairment in Wistar rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate a potential preventive effect of phycocyanin extract from Spirulina platensis against ethanol- induced hepatorenal toxicity and cognitive behavior impairment in male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly and equally divided into four groups (six animals each): control group received saline solution, ethanol (EtOH) group was injected intraperitoneally with 1 ml/kg of ethanol solution 38% (w/v), phycocyanin groups were treated with 25 (PC1) or 50 (PC2) mg/kg phycocyanin extract followed by ethanol administration. All treatments were conducted for 14 successive days. Results revealed that ethanol induced oxidative stress in brain, liver, and kidney by increasing lipid peroxidation level and SOD and CAT activities. Serum biochemical perturbations were also observed in EtOH group, which was indicated by a significant elevation in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea levels. Combined exposure to EtOH with phytocyanin contracted these biochemical alterations. Phycocyanin decreased also EtOH-induced anxiety and ameliorated exploratory behavior assessed by the elevated-plus maze and open field tests respectively.

Reproductive Toxicity of Carlina gummifera L. Incense Inhalation in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

Background: Burning incense of Carlina gummifera L. is a traditional practice in North African countries for religious or ritual intentions. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of smoke incense of this plant on the reproductive function in adult male rats. Setting and Design: This study was conducted in the Integrated Physiology Laboratory. Materials and Methods: Plant roots were collected, dried and finely ground in powder form. Adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to treated groups exposed daily during 60 min for 15 consecutive days to smoke incense at 2, 4 and 6 g and a control group was subjected to the same conditions in the absence of smoke. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's multiple comparison as the post hoc test. Results: Exposure to the incense of Carlina gummifera L. seriously affected dose dependently the reproductive function in male rats. It was found that in treated groups, the testicle relative weight decreased, while those of seminal vesicles and prostate increased when compared to the untreated group. Carlina gummifera L. incense inhalation reduced the total number, viability and mobility of epididymis spermatozoa compared to control. Furthermore, incense exposure induced various histological changes in the testes, prostate and seminal vesicles, including in particular a decrease in the number of gametes in the seminiferous tubes, the reduction of prostatic secretions and the macrophagic resorption of the seminal secretions. The effect of Carlina incense on the antioxidant system was evaluated by assaying the two antioxidant enzyme activities catalase and superoxide dismutase as well as thiol group levels in the testicles. Our results showed that fumigation affected these parameters, suggesting that the morphological and functional modifications in the male reproductive system induced by Carlina gummifera L. incense may be related, in part, to the alteration of the oxidative balance in the testicle. Conclusion: Smoke incense of Carlina gummifera L. caused marked reproductive toxicity in adult male rats associated with induced oxidative stress.

Acute titanium dioxide nanoparticles exposure impaired spatial cognitive performance through neurotoxic and oxidative mechanisms in Wistar rats.

CONTEXT: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are used in many commercial products. However, their effects on human and animal organism remained to be clarified. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of TiO2-NPs on the behavioural performance, monoamine neurotransmitters and oxidative stress in the rat brain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were injected intravenously with a single dose of TiO2-NPs (20 mg/kg body weight) and were subjected to cognitive and emotional tests using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. RESULTS: Cognitive capacity as well as the emotional reactivity were significantly disrupted, in TiO2-NPs-administered rats compared to control group. These behavioural effects were correlated with changes in brain neurotransmitter contents reflected by a significant increase in dopamine and a decrease in serotonin levels. TiO2-NPs also induced oxidative stress in the brain manifested by increased levels of H2O2 and malondialdehyde, associated with antioxidant enzymes activities disturbance, in particular, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Moreover, TiO2-NPs administration caused histological damages in the brain tissue with abundant lymphocytic clusters, capillary dilations, vascular congestion and oedema. CONCLUSIONS: Acute intravenous injection of TiO2-NPs impaired behaviour performances through brain biochemical and structural changes and precautions should be taken to their usage in food additive and medical applications.

Pecan pericarp extract protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury through oxidative mechanism in rats.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the proanthocyanidin content of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) pericarp extract (PPE) and to assess its useful impacts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group 1: received intraperitoneal injection of saline solution, Group 2: was injected with PPE (25 mg/kg body weight) for 10 consecutive days, Group 3: received CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg, subcutaneous injection), Group 4: was coadministred with PPE + CCl4. The CCl4 was administered every 3 days during 10 days. Results revealed the presence of a high amount of total proanthocyanidins in the PPE (81.01 ± 0.21 mg TAE.g-1DW). CCl4 injection induced significant reductions in hepatic antioxidants but increased hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as serum injury biomarkers. However, cotreatment with PPE significantly (P < 0.05) inverted CCl4-induced increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities, respectively to 74%, 77%, 60%, and 82% compared with CCl4 group. No significant toxic effects were observed following treatment with plant extract alone. PPE cotreatment also decreased significant (P < 0.05) the hepatic malondialdehyde formation (21%) and enhanced the liver catalase activity (107%) in CCl4-intoxicated rats. The histopathological examination showed inflammatory infiltration and degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue following CCl4 injection. The hepatoprotective activity of PPE against CCl4 exposure was supported by the maintenance of structural integrity of liver histopathology. In conclusion, the current study illustrated that PPE pretreatment significantly improved all examined parameters, restored the hepatic architecture and successfully alleviates oxidative damage induced by CCl4 intoxication.

A combination of NMR and liquid chromatography to characterize the protective effects of Rhus tripartita extracts on ethanol-induced toxicity and inflammation on intestinal cells.

Consumption of ethanol may have severe effects on human organs and tissues and lead to acute and chronic inflammation of internal organs. The present study aims at investigating the potential protective effects of three different extracts prepared from the leaves, root, and stem of the sumac, Rhus tripartita, against ethanol-induced toxicity and inflammation using intestinal cells as a cell culture system, in vitro model of the intestinal mucosa. The results showed an induction of cytotoxicity by ethanol, which was partially reversed by co-administration of the plant extracts. As part of investigating the cellular response and the mechanism of toxicity, the role of reduced thiols and glutathione-S-transferases were assessed. In addition, intestinal cells were artificially imposed to an inflammation state and the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was estimated by determination of interleukin-8. Finally, a detailed characterization of the contents of the three plant extracts by high resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry revealed significant differences in their chemical compositions.

Effects of static magnetic field exposure on plasma element levels in rat.

The interaction of static magnetic fields (SMFs) with living organisms is a rapidly growing field of investigation. The magnetic fields (MFs) effect observed with radical pair recombination is one of the well-known mechanisms by which MFs interact with biological systems. SMF influenced cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms by affecting antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT). However, there were insufficient reports about the effects of SMF on macro and trace elements in serum, and the results were contradictory until now. In the current study, 12 rats were divided into two groups, namely as control and exposure group (128 mT and 1 h/day during five consecutive days). The macro and trace element concentrations in serum were examined. No significant difference was observed in the sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and selenium (Se) levels in rat compared to control. By contrast, exposure to SMF showed an increase in the zinc (Zn) level and a decrease in iron (Fe) concentration. Under our experimental conditions, SMF exposure cannot affect the plasma levels of macroelements, while it can disrupt Zn and Fe concentrations in rat.

Static magnetic field induced hypovitaminosis D in rat.

In the following study, we mainly investigate the effects of static magnetic field (SMF) (128 mT, 1 hr/day during 5 consecutive days) on 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and calcium homeostasis. Wistar male rats, weighing 50-70 g, were randomly divided into four experimental groups: control, SMF-exposed rat, co-exposed rats (the last day and after exposure rats received a single dose of vitamin D per os) and supplemented with vitamin D group (without exposure to SMF). Exposure to SMF induced a decrease of plasmatic 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 level (P < 0.001). While, calcium and phosphorus levels were not affected (P > 0.05). The same treatment failed also to alter body, relative liver and kidney weights. Interestingly, oral supplementation with vitamin D corrected hypovitaminosis D induced by SMF. Likewise, the same treatment failed to alter calcium homeostasis. More studies are needed to evaluate how SMF induces hypovitaminosis D.

Antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, haemolytic and antioxidant activities of crude extracts from three selected Togolese medicinal plants

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, acute toxicity and haemolytic activities of methanolic extracts of three plants. Phytochemical analysis to determine the phenolic contents was also carried out.@*METHODS@#The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, NCCLS broth microdilution and Plasmodium Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) assays were used to determine antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial activities, respectively. Haemolysis assay was conducted on A(+) human red blood cells and acute toxicity on male Swiss albino mice. Phenolics were quantitatively determined using spectrophotometric methods.@*RESULTS@#The DPPH assay yielded interesting antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Parinari curatellifolia (P. curatellifolia) and Entada africana (E. africana) (IC(50) were 0.20±0.01 μg/mL and 0.47±0.01 μg/mL, respectively). This activity was highly correlated with phenolic contents of extracts. The antimicrobial tests displayed minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values ranging from 0.90 to 1.80 mg/mL for Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) the most susceptible bacterial strain. MIC value was 1.20 mg/mL for susceptible fungal strains including Mucor rouxi (M. rouxi), Fusarium oxyporum (F. oxyporum) and Rhizopus nigricans (R. nigricans). pLDH assay showed moderate antiplasmodial activity of Balanites aegyptiaca (B. aegyptiaca) (IC(50) = 24.56±3.45 μg/mL), however this extract was highly haemolytic and toxic in mice (LD(50) = 625±128 mg/kg).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results support in part the use of the selected plants in the treatment of microbial infections. In addition the plant showed interesting antioxidant activity that could be useful in the management of oxidative stress.

Effects of acute exposure to static magnetic field on ionic composition of rat spinal cord.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of static magnetic fields (SMF) on ionic composition of rat spinal cord. Male Wistar rats were daily exposed to SMF of 128 mT, for 1 h/day during five consecutive days. Spinal cord samples were extracted, weighed and mixed in bidstilled water in order to be analyzed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP). Plasma ionic composition was also made. Acute exposure to SMF increased significantly the calcium (+68%, p < 0.05) and iron (+35%, p < 0.05) contents of rat spinal cord, whereas magnesium and copper levels remained unchanged. In plasma, SMF treatment failed to alter calcium concentration but decreased iron level (-17%, p < 0.05). These data indicate that SMF acute exposure can induce alterations of ionic composition in the rat spinal cord and the plasma electrolytes balance.

Effects of sub-acute exposure to magnetic field on blood hematological and biochemical parameters in female rats.

UNLABELLED: The present work was undertaken in order to investigate the effects of magnetic field (MF) on hematopoiesis and fuel metabolites in female rats. At thermoneutrality (25°C), the exposition of rats 1 hour/day for 10 consecutive days to a MF of 128 mT (m Tesla) induced an increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin compared to controls. Exposure to MF also induced an increase in blood glucose levels but had no effect on triglyceride concentrations. Moreover, serum alanine aminotransferase activity remained unchanged in treated rats, while aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities increased by about 22% and 33%, respectively, following MF exposure. It was concluded that sub-acute exposure to MF induced elevations in hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma fuel metabolites and tissue enzymes release within the blood. KEY WORDS: Magnetic field, hematology, glucose, triglycerides, plasma enzymes, rat.

Zinc prevents hematological and biochemical alterations induced by static magnetic field in rats.

The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the effect of subchronic exposure of rats to static magnetic field (SMF) and/or zinc treatment on the selected hematological and biochemical parameters. Metallothioneins (MT) and zinc content in kidney and liver were studied. The exposure of rats to SMF for 1h/day during 30 consecutive days induced an increase in hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC) and platelet number. By contrast, hematocrit remained unchanged. The same treatment also increased the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. However, the creatinine and urea concentrations were similar to those of controls. On the other hand, renal and hepatic zinc levels were not altered in SMF treated-rats. SMF exposure induced MT synthesis in the liver and kidney. Zinc administration (40 mg/l for 30 consecutive days, in drinking water) had no effect on hematological and biochemical parameters. However, hepatic and renal zinc content and MT levels were increased. Zinc prevented the increase in serum transaminase activities, and WBC and platelet counts induced by SMF. However, the elevation of the LDH, hemoglobin and RBC levels induced by SMF exposure was not suppressed. MT concentrations in both tissues were potentiated by zinc administration in SMF-exposed rats. It is suggested that zinc supplementation could prevent toxic effects of SMF probably by its anti-oxidant properties.