Health-related quality of life in long-term differentiated thyroid cancer survivors: A cross-sectional Tunisian-based study.

Background and Aim: The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has risen dramatically worldwide. Despite an excellent prognosis, the growing DTC survivors' community often features poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which challenges long-term DTC care, particularly in developing Southern Mediterranean and African countries. We aimed to assess the HRQoL and to investigate its determinants in disease-free Tunisian DTC survivors. Methods: We conducted a three-month cross-sectional study that included 266 patients diagnosed with DTC. We assessed the HRQoL in eligible participants using the short form-36 health survey, in comparison with 76 healthy controls. Results: The 86 eligible DTC survivors were predominantly female (89.5%) with an average age of 44.3 ± 12.5 years. Physical-functioning (PF), role-physical (RP), and pain domains were substantially altered compared to the reference population. Age was negatively associated with PF, RP, role-emotional (RE), and social functioning (SF). Tumor size and lymph node metastases affected general health and PF, respectively. The cancer-free survival duration was positively correlated with mental health (MH). Poor neck scar healing and persistent post-operative hypoparathyroidism significantly deteriorate MH. Pain perception was positively correlated with the radioactive iodine cumulative dose. Subclinical hyperthyroidism significantly reduced PF and RP scores. TSH suppression was negatively and strongly correlated with MH and SF scores. Conclusion: HRQoL is substantially reduced in DTC survivors compared to the normative Tunisian population. These results could be extrapolated to similar individuals in other South Mediterranean and African countries. The development of coordinated multidisciplinary aftercare interventions in this region is warranted to preserve HRQoL in DTC survivors.

Clinicopathological features and outcomes after radioactive iodine treatment of oncocytic well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological features of Hürthle cell carcinomas (HCC) and oncocytic papillary thyroid carcinomas (OPTC) and to evaluate their response to radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with histopathologically verified OPTC (group 1) and HCC (group 2), during a 17-year period. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and received RAI adjuvant therapy. Clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were compared. Response to initial therapy was assessed 6 to 24 months after RAI ablation according to the American Thyroid Association dynamic risk reclassification. Clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients (8 OPTC and 20 HCC) were included. There was no significant difference in clinicopathological features including sex, age, tumour size and vascular invasion. Distant metastases were absent in both groups. OPTC, however, presented more features of local invasion (50% vs. 10%, P = 0.03), extrathyroidal extension (25% vs. 0%, P = 0.07) and lymph node involvement (37.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.01). Median cumulative RAI activity administered to both groups was 200 mCi (range: 100-300 mCi). Response to RAI therapy was excellent in all HCC and 87.5% of OPTC (P = 0.28). One patient with OPTC (12.5%) presented an indeterminate response. Clinical outcomes were favourable after a median follow-up of 87.5 and 49 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although OPTC presented more locoregional invasion, clinicopathological characteristics of OPTC and HCC were comparable. Both OPTC and HCC were iodine responsive. We suggest that adjuvant RAI therapy after total thyroidectomy is beneficial for OPTC and HCC and may improve disease-free survival.

Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol protect rats' pups against bisphenol A induced hypothyroidism.

Bisphenol A (BPA) can disturb the endocrine system and the organs that respond to endocrine signals in organisms, indirectly exposed during prenatal and/or early postnatal life. The present study was designed to assess the protective effect of phenolic compounds from olive leaves against BPA induced thyroid dysfunction and growth perturbation in young rats during lactation. The BPA disrupting effect on thyroid function was investigated by measuring changes in plasma levels of thyroid hormones. Free triiodothyronine (FT3) and thyroxine (FT4) were decreased in young rats breast-fed from mothers treated with bisphenol A. This effect was associated with an increase in the plasma level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The histological and immunohistochemical study of the thyroid gland revealed a disturbance in morphological structure and thyroid cells function. Thyroid dysfunction led to a disruption in the skeletal bone growth of young rats. In fact, the infrared microspectroscopic analysis and histological examination of femoral bone showed significant changes in their histoarchitecture associated with a perturbation in the mechanism of bone tissue mineralization. The administration of oleuropein or hydroxytyrosol in BPA treated lactating mothers improved the thyroid cells function by enhancing thyroid hormone levels. Moreover, these phenolics increased the body growth characterized by an amelioration in the structure and the microstructure of femoral bone tissue. HPLC analysis of rats-breast milk indicated the presence of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, which could contribute to the protective effect against bisphenol A induced hypothyroidism in pups rats.

Lipid peroxidation, proteins modifications, anti-oxidant enzymes activities and selenium deficiency in the plasma of hashitoxicosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the oxidative stress profile in hashitoxicosis (HTX) and to compare it with that of healthy subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Spectrophotometric methods were used to evaluate the oxidative stress markers. The selenium level was investigated by atomic absorption. RESULTS: High levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and conjugated dienes were found in HTX patients (p = 0.034 and p = 0.043, respectively) compared with healthy controls. For antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities increased, whereas that of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) decreased (p = 0.000, p = 0.014, p = 0.000, respectively) compared with controls. A reduction in the level of selenium (p = 0.029) and thiol groups (p = 0.008) were shown in patients; however, levels of carbonyl group and malondialdehyde (MDA) protein adducts decreased (p = 0.000) compared with controls. Positive correlation was shown between levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and TBARS (r = 0.711, p = 0.048) and between FT4 level and SOD activity (r = 0.713, p = 0.047). Conversely, GPx activity presented a negative correlation with FT4 and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels (r = -0.934, p = 0.001; r = -0.993, p = 0.000, respectively). In addition, GPx activity showed positive correlation with selenium level (r = 0.981, p = 0.019) and the FT3 level correlated negatively with the level of thiol groups (r = -0.892, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the presence of an oxidative stress and selenium deficiency in HTX patients and suggests that the hyperthyroid state is strongly implicated in the establishment of this disturbed oxidative profile.

[Uveal metastasis of thyroid carcinomas. About 3 cases]. / Métastases uvéales des carcinomes thyroïdiens. À propos de 3 cas.

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics of ocular metastases of thyroid carcinomas through three observations of patients. RESULTS: Three patients aged respectively 41, 55 and 66 years were followed for thyroid carcinoma. All patients were treated by surgery followed by IRA therapy. They developed ocular metastases after a mean period of 10 years after thyroidectomy. They presented in addition multiple secondary sites such as bone, lungs and cerebrum. The uveal lesion was unilateral and localized at the choroid or iris. The predominant symptomatology was decreased visual acuity. The diagnosis was based on ophthalmoscopic examination and post-IRA therapy scan and was confirmed by anatomopathological study. Treatment options were respectively IRA therapy, sectoral iridectomy and enucleation. Evolution was fatal in 2 cases and towards aggravation for one case. CONCLUSION: Uveal metastases of thyroid cancer are associated with a pejorative prognosis. Ophthalmologic follow-up is necessary when patient presents warning sign mainly with metastatic follicular carcinoma. Conversely, thyroid carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a uveal mass of unknown origin.

Clinical features of bone metastasis for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A study of 21 patients from a Tunisian center.

INTRODUCTION: The differentiated thyroid cancers have a good prognosis unless the presence of metastasis. These distant metastases, especially in bone, are a major cause of impaired quality of life and death requiring intensive management. The aim of our work was to study the patients' data, the disease characteristics and to analyze the therapeutic management of these patients. RESULTS: This study concerned a cohort of 21 patients treated for differentiated thyroid cancer during the period from 1995 to 2011. Eighteen of our patients were aged over 45 years. A majority of them had follicular carcinoma. Bone metastases were often multiple and located at the axial skeleton. They were associated with other types of metastases, especially lung metastasis. A majority of patients received 131I treatment, following surgery or external beam radiotherapy for a palliative purpose. Overall survival was 65% at 5 years and 49% at 10 years. A long-term survival was achieved in 10% of the patients benefiting from a multidisciplinary care adapted to each case. CONCLUSION: Bone metastases often have a pejorative turning in the natural history of differentiated thyroid cancers. The right selection of individuals with better prognosis, for whom more aggressive curative treatment was indicated, requires a better understanding of the features of bone involvement.

Toxicity of methimazole on femoral bone in suckling rats: alleviation by selenium.

AIMS: Selenium has a pharmacological properties and it is well considered as an antioxidant. The present study investigated the potential ability of selenium, used as a nutritional supplement, to alleviate bone impairments in suckling rats whose mothers were treated with methimazole, an antithyroid drug. MAIN METHODS: Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II were rendered hypothyroid by administration of methimazole (250 mg L(-1) in their drinking water); group III received both methimazole (250 mg L(-1) in their drinking water) and selenium (0.5 mg kg(-1) of diet); group IV received 0.5 Na(2)SeO(3) mg kg(-1) of diet. Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. KEY FINDINGS: Methimazole treatment decreased femur length and weight in 14-day-old rats, when compared to controls. Femur antioxidant enzyme activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased. Lipid peroxidation recorded an increase revealed by high femur malondialdehyde levels. Methimazole also caused a significant decrease in calcium and phosphorus levels in bone. Yet, in plasma and urine, they increased and decreased inversely. Besides, plasma total tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase was enhanced, while total alkaline phosphatase was reduced. Co-administration of selenium through diet improved the biochemical parameters cited above. Nevertheless, distorted histoarchitecture revealed in hypothyroid rat femur was alleviated by Se treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: The present study suggests that selenium is an important protective element that may be used as a dietary supplement protecting against bone impairments.

Oxidative stress and thyroid impairment after gibberellic acid treatment in pregnant and lactating rats and their offspring.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) has been worldwide used in agriculture as a plant growth regulator. The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of GA3 on the morphology and the thyroid hormone levels in adult rats and their suckling pups. Animals were given daily 200 ppm GA3 in drinking water from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Compared with a control group, GA3-treated mothers and pups showed an increase in body and thyroid weights, a decrease in plasma FT4 and FT3 levels, which were more pronounced in pups than in their mothers. Thyroid iodine content was also decreased in pups. These biochemical modifications corresponded histologically; the majority of follicles had cubical epithelial cells, which surrounded empty vesicular cavities. Toxicity was objectified by a significant increase in plasma malondialdehyde, protein carbonyls, and advanced oxidation protein products levels in GA3-treated dams and their suckling pups; while, the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased in plasma of both dams and their pups. Moreover, a significant decline was observed in plasma glutathione, nonprotein thiols, and vitamin C levels. We conclude that GA3 treatment affects thyroid function and plasma antioxidant status in adult rats and their progeny.

Impairment of spermatogenesis in rats by mercuric chloride: involvement of low 17ß-estradiol level in induction of acute oxidative stress.

Mercuric chloride (HgCl(2)) has been shown to affect the male reproductive organs, and oxidative stress has been linked with hypospermatogenesis and with male infertility. However, the specific mode of impairment of spermatogenesis during HgCl(2) exposure has not yet been clarified fully. Because of the involvement of 17ß-estradiol (E2) in the male reproductive tract and its putative role on spermatogenesis, the present study aimed to investigate the possibility that HgCl(2)-induced oxidative stress-mediated modulation of the E2 level exerts adverse effects on testicular steroidogenic and gametogenic activities. HgCl(2) treatment at 50 and 100 ppm for 90 days by continuous oral administration in the drink water resulted in significant dose-dependent fashion decrease in serum and testicular E(2) levels and an increase in testicular testosterone levels in dose-dependent manner, without statistical alteration in serum testosterone level among HgCl(2) exposed groups compared to the control. Cauda epididymal sperm count and motility were decreased significantly (p < 0.01), in a dose-dependent manner, in the HgCl(2)-treated groups, and qualitative examination revealed inhibition of spermatogenesis and the preferential loss of maturing and elongated spermatids. The seminiferous tubules were dilated in treated animals. When compared to the control, increase in lipid peroxidation due to toxic effects of HgCl2 was accompanied by significant reduction (p < 0.01) in antioxidant enzymes activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase of testes, implicating the presence of oxidative tissue damage. Furthermore, these tissue injuries caused functional impairment as evidenced with testicular elevated activity of lactate dehydrogenase. Unless oxidative stress can lead to cancer development, testis' tumor markers as beta human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein levels have shown no significant differences in the HgCl(2)-exposed group compared with respect to the control. Large quantities of metal accumulated in the testis tissue are in agreement with the testis-activity failure verified in this tissue. These findings suggest that a decrease in E2 level after mercury exposure may render testis more susceptible to oxidative damage leading to its functional inactivation, thus providing new dimension to mechanisms underlying heavy metal-induced male infertility.

Effect of selenium on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups.

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of selenium (Se) on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups. Rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as a negative control which received standard diet; group II received orally MMI (250 mg L -1 ); group II received both MMI (250 mg L -1 , orally) and Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received Se (0.5 mg Na 2 SeO 3 /kg of diet). Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until postnatal day 14. In the MMI-exposed group, the body weight of 14-day-old pups diminished compared to controls; besides, a hypertrophy of the thyroid glands was observed. Co-administration of Se through the diet restored these parameters to near normal values. In the MMI-treated group, thyroid iodine contents and plasma thyroid hormone levels significantly decreased, while plasma TSH levels increased in pups and their mothers. These biochemical modifications corresponded histologically to closed follicles, increased vascularity and a reduction in colloid volume. Co-treatment with Se ameliorated these parameters. We concluded that the supplementation of Se in diet had beneficial effects on hypothyroidism during a critical period of life.

A comparative study of the oxidative profile in Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and papillary thyroid cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oxidative profiles of three thyroid disorders: Graves' disease (GD), Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Malondialdehyde levels (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were examined in the plasma of 52 patients (29 untreated HT, 16 untreated GD, and 7 PTC who underwent surgical therapy). Results were compared with those of 30 healthy controls and among the three groups of patients. The GD, HT, and PTC patients exhibited increased plasma MDA levels and SOD activities compared with the controls (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001, respectively). CAT activities significantly increased only for the PTC and HT patients (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas GPx activities significantly decreased only in the GD and PTC (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The comparison among the three groups of patients has shown increased MDA level and SOD activity for the PTC patients as compared to the GD patients (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). Compared with HT, PTC patients exhibited significant higher MDA level, SOD, and CAT activities and a significant lower GPx activity (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). No significant discrepancies were noted between the GD and HT patients. Our results have clearly shown an oxidative profile that is highly disturbed for the PTC patients as compared to those of autoimmune disorders. Future studies are needed to determine whether or not the oxidative stress has a prognostic value in this pathology.

Association of EGFR and HER2 polymorphisms with risk and clinical features of thyroid cancer.

The epidermal growth factor receptor family plays a critical role in the control of many physiological processes. Genetic alterations and/or variations in the gene encoding these receptors have been implicated in a variety of human cancers. In this study we evaluate the association of two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), R497K and I655V, of the EGFR and HER2 genes, respectively, with thyroid cancer risk. The analysis was performed with 302 healthy individuals and 106 thyroid cancer patients. No significant difference was found in the allelic and genotypic frequency distribution of the SNP R497K between the control and patient groups. While for the SNP I655V, the allele G is more frequent in patients than in controls and was associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (odds ratio = 1.88; 95% confidence intervals: 1.18-3.01; p = 0.007). We have also investigated the relationship between these two polymorphic sites and clinicopathological characteristics such as thyroid-stimulating hormone level, off-thyroxin, serum thyroglobulin, tumor histology, metastasis, tumor status, tumor stage, and survival. No significant association was observed. Tumor status was found significantly associated with HER2 I655V as well as with two previously studied markers in the thyroid hormone receptor A and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) genes (D17S2189 and D6S440, respectively). We also report a correlation between thyroglobulin level and genotypes for SNP rs2228480 in exon 8 of the ESR1 gene. In conclusion, our results suggest that the SNP HER2 I655V, but not the EGFR R497K, was associated with thyroid cancer risk.

Dietary selenium addition improves cerebrum and cerebellum impairments induced by methimazole in suckling rats.

The aim of this study is to investigate the improving effects of selenium (Se) on cerebrum and cerebellum impairments induced by methimazole (MMI) in suckling rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received only MMI (250 mg L(-1)(,) orally); group III received both MMI (250 mg L(-1), orally) and Se (0.5 mg kg(-1) of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received Se (0.5 mg kg(-1) of diet) as sodium selenite (Na(2)SeO(3)). Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In the MMI-treated group, plasma-free thyroid hormone levels (FT(3) and FT(4)), protein, DNA and RNA contents in cerebrum and cerebellum decreased when compared to control. Co-treatment with Se ameliorated these parameters. In the MMI-treated group, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) significantly decreased, while malonaldialdehyde (MDA) levels in cerebrum and cerebellum increased. Co-administration of Se through the diet restored these parameters to near normal values. The biochemical modifications are correlated histologically with the abnormal development of an external granular layer, indicating a delay of granular cells migration towards the molecular layer in the MMI-treated group. Our results showed that Se improved cerebrum and cerebellum MMI-induced damages in suckling rats. Moreover, we concluded that Se is an important neuroprotective element that may be used as a dietary supplement against brain impairments.

Association of polymorphisms in estrogen and thyroid hormone receptors with thyroid cancer risk.

The receptors for thyroid hormone (THR) and oestrogen (ESR) are prototypes of nuclear transcription factors that regulate the expression of target genes. Genetic alterations in the genes of these receptors were found to be involved in cancer development. In this study we investigated the association of one SNP (rs2228480, T594T) and one microsatellite marker (D6S440) within the ESR1 gene and a dinucleotide repeat (D17S2189) within the THRA gene, with thyroid cancer risk. A case-control association study was conducted with 299 healthy individuals and 106 patients with thyroid cancer. Genotypic and allelic frequencies for the dinucleotide repeat in the ESR1 gene were similar between thyroid cancer patients and controls. For the AC repeat in the THRA gene, a slightly significant difference was found for the genotype 18/20 between the two groups (P = 0.034), which suggests that alleles with less than 20 repeats might have a protective effect in thyroid cancer risk. For the SNP T594T, the A allele was much more prevalent in patients than in controls and was highly associated with the risk of thyroid cancer (OR: 4,56; IC: 3.23-6.44; P < 10(-18)) and seems to have an additive mode of action. In conclusion, our data suggest that the SNP T594T but not the D6S440 and D17S189 is associated with thyroid cancer risk.

Testicular toxicity in mercuric chloride treated rats: association with oxidative stress.

Mercury has been recognized as an industrial hazard that adversely affects male reproductive systems of humans and animals. However, less information is available concerning the underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of male reproductive dysfunction. The present study investigated the possible involvement of oxidative stress to induce oxidative deterioration of testicular functions in adult rats. Wistar male rats (n=132) were continuously exposed to HgCl(2) at 0, 50 and 100 ppm during 90 days through oral administration in the drinking water. Mercury exposure for 90 days resulted in an increase in the absolute and relative wet weight of the testis and a decrease in the absolute and relative wet weight of the accessory sex glands, with respect to the matched control. Marked perturbation in testosterone serum level was also detected during the treatment for the treated groups. Cauda epididymal sperm count/motility decreased significantly in the mercury-treated group and qualitative examination of testicular sections revealed a fewer mature luminal spermatozoa in comparison to the control. When the mercury-treated males were mated with normal cyclic females, mercury exposure resulted in a decline of the reproductive performance of male rats. These effects were associated with a significant increase in mercury content of testes and blood in time-dependent and dose-dependent fashion, respectively. The HgCl(2) treatment was associated with oxidative stress. Evidence of induction of oxidative stress was obtained in terms of perturbations in antioxidant defense and a significant dose-dependent increase in the testicular lipid peroxidation as a consequence of pro-oxidant exposure. Taken together, the results suggest that an increase in free radical formation relative to loss of antioxidant defense system after mercury exposure may render testis more susceptible to oxidative damage leading to their functional inactivation.

Thiocyanate effects on thyroid function of weaned mice.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of thiocyanate on thyroid function in weaned mice. At this developmental period, induction and reversibility of thiocyanate effects have not yet been studied. In the present work, adult female mice were given thiocyanate [SCN(-) (1 g L(-1))] in their drinking water from the 15(th) day of pregnancy until either the 25(th) (group B) or the 15(th) day (group C) after parturition. During five days after weaning, water and food consumptions of treated mice (group B) were 42.2+/-1.2% and 56.4+/-0.9%, respectively, less than those of the controls (group A). On the sacrifice day (the 25(th) day after birth), body weight, thyroid iodine content and thyroid hormone levels (FT(4) and FT(3)) decreased by 10.4+/-3.0%, 40.6+/-2.3%; 18.7+/-2.3% and 18.1+/-1.3%, respectively. Plasma TSH increased by 30.6+/-1.7% along with the hypertrophy of thyroid glands (52.6+/-3.1%). We have observed a hypertrophy of follicle cells and a decrease in colloid volume within histological slides. After SCN(-) withdrawal (group C), partial or total recovery were noted in all parameters studied. We concluded that hypothyroidism effects added to the weaning event affected greatly thyroid function and behaviour of mice; these would be largely reversed by withdrawing thiocyanate treatment for a period of ten days.

Lipid peroxidation and HSP72/73 expression in rat following cadmium chloride administration: interactions of magnesium supplementation.

OBJECTIVE: to determine whether magnesium (Mg) supplementation could have a protective effect against the cadmium (Cd)-induced oxidative stress in liver, kidneys and testes of adult male rats. Stress was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and the heat shock protein (HSP) 72/73 expression. CdCl2 injections (2.5mg/day/kg body weight) for 10 days resulted in a time dependent increase of Cd accumulation in liver, kidney and testes, the highest levels being found in liver (400 microg/g dried tissue). At the same time, an increase of lipid peroxidation was observed. The effect was maximal at day 1 of Cd treatment in liver and testes, and later (day 5) in kidney. Then, Cd-induced lipid peroxidation decreased, suggesting the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Injections of Mg SO4 (300-600 mg/day/kg body weight) reduced in a dose-dependent manner Cd-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney as well as the accumulation of Cd in liver, kidney and testes. In testes, a protective effect of Mg was found only during the early phase of Cd-poisoning. On days 5 and 10, lipid peroxidation was even increased as compared to controls. In liver and testes only the constitutive HSP73 was detected whereas in kidney both HSP73 and the inducible HSP72 were expressed. HSP72/73 expression was not significantly increased by Cd and HSP73 was even lowered in kidney, probably due to the strong dose used. These results were not modified by Mg injections. CONCLUSION: Mg supplementation can reduce Cd accumulation in organs and lipid peroxidation related to Cd administration.

Evaluation of some biological parameters of Opuntia ficus indica. 2. Influence of seed supplemented diet on rats.

The present research was undertaken to evaluate some biological parameters in rats fed with a supplemented diet with Opuntia ficus indica powder seeds. Feed intake and body weight of rats were measured every two days during nine weeks of treatment. Digestibility, feed conversion efficiency and protein efficiency ratio were determined. No difference in digestibility was noticed between the different diets. The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight of rats receiving a diet partially substituted with O. ficus indica powder seeds, probably due to a significant decrease in serum-free thyroxin (FT(4)) compared to the control group. In the treated group, a decrease of glucose concentration in blood and an increase of glycogen in liver and skeletal muscle were noticed. A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was noted in the group receiving the supplemented diet with O. ficus indica powder seeds. These results suggest that O. ficus indica seeds can be used as a healthy food.