Morphohistometric analysis of the effects of Coriandrum sativum on cortical and cerebellar neurotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Natural compounds can act as metal chelators and oxygen free radical scavengers, which allows them to be used as bioactive antagonists to heavy metals neurotoxicity. The aim of the study to analyze the morphometric effects of Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) on lead-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley albino rats were divided into four equal groups (ten in each group): control group; coriander group: received aqueous C. sativum extracts (600 mg/kg BW for 60 days orally); lead (Pb) group: received a daily dose of lead acetate (Pb) (10 mg/kg BW for 60 days orally); Pb+ coriandrum group: received: aqueous C. sativum extract (600 mg/kg BW) prior to 10 mg/kg BW of Pb. The following parameters malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were measured. Layers thickness and nuclei density were analyzed. RESULTS: Lead levels in blood and tissues were decreased significantly in the Pb group and those findings were corrected significantly (p=0.001) with C. sativum addition. Data exhibited an increase in oxidative stress marker MDA and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) significantly in the Pb group and those effects were reversed significantly (p=0.001) by C. sativum administration. The cerebellar cortex and all layers of the somatosensory cortex thickness and nuclei density were diminished significantly in the Pb group. The morphometrical measurements were corrected significantly (p=0.001) by C. sativum. CONCLUSION: From the findings of the current study, Pb caused noticeable structural and functional variations in the cerebellar cortex and somatosensory cortex. C. sativum corrected these parameters as it possesses chelating and antioxidant potentials.

Neuro-amelioration of cinnamaldehyde in aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease rat model.

Aluminum (Al) is a neurotoxic substance which has played an important role in the etiology, pathogenesis, and development of amyloid-ß (Aß) plaques. This study was carried out to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of aqueous cinnamon extract against aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer's disease. Forty adult male albino rats, randomly divided into four equal groups. Control group; ACE200 group administered aqueous cinnamon extract (ACE) orally; AlCl3 group received daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of AlCl3 for 60 days to induce neurotoxicity and AlCl3 + ACE200 group received a combination of AlCl3 and ACE in the same dose and route as previous groups. Aluminum administration significantly enhanced the memory impairment and the Aß formation in the rat model. The cerebellum exhibited a significant reduced number of Purkinje cells, marked decrease in the density of dendritic arborization and prominent perineuronal spaces in the molecular layer. There was loss of dendritic spines, neurofibrillary degeneration, and appearance of neuritic plaques. Concomitant administration of AlCl3 and ACE displayed an observable protection against these changes with progressive improvement in memory and intellectual performance. In conclusion, ACE may play a protective role against formation of amyloid-ß plaques in cerebellum.

Thymoquinone ameliorates oxidative damage and histopathological changes of developing brain neurotoxicity.

Lead (Pb) toxicity is known to be a chief environmental health issue, especially for pregnant women and young children. Today, the use of medicinal herbs in the treatment of many diseases and different toxic agents has become highly accepted due to their effectiveness and lower costs. Thymoquinone (TQ), which is extracted from Nigella sativa seeds, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This study was designed to explore the optional protectivity of TQ against maternal and fetal oxidative stress and brain damage induced by Pb administration. Pregnant rats were distributed into seven groups: control group, TQ group, DMSO group, two groups Pb-treated (160 and 320 ppm), and two groups Pb-treated (160 and 320 ppm) co-treated with TQ. Administration started from gestation day 1 (GD1) to day 20 (GD20) through oral gavage once daily. Lead administration caused a dose-dependent toxicity for both mothers and fetuses. Also, the histopathological assessment of the brains from Pb-treated groups showed marked alterations. Co-treatment of with TQ and Pb caused a significant decrease in Pb levels as compared with those treated with Pb alone and amelioration of histopathological changes in the brains. It was concluded that co-treatment of TQ along with gestational Pb exposure could mitigate the effects against Pb-induced maternal and fetal neurotoxicity.

A study on the toxic effect of different doses of diclofenac sodium on the development of the kidney in the postnatal period / Estudio sobre el efecto tóxico de diferentes dosis de diclofenaco sódico en el desarrollo del riñón en el período postnatal

The toxic effects of different doses of diclofenac sodium (DS) on the kidney on the postnatal period (0-7 days) by morphometrical and immunohistochemical methods were investigated. For this purpose, 15 female adult wistar albino rats were used and divided into 5 main groups. Group Ia served as normal control, physiologic group Ib received normal saline, group II received low dose (3.9 mg/kg), group III received medium dose (9 mg/kg) and group IV received high dose (18 mg/kg). Male offspring's from 0-7 days after birth were used in this study. On the 8th day of postnatal life, all animals were anesthetized. Then, the kidney samples were analyzed. Haematoxylin and eosin staining showed degeneration and necrosis, apparent atrophy of the glomeruli, mononuclear cell infiltration, congested vessels, increased fibrous tissue and distortion of the proximal convoluted tubules with interruption of the brush margin of the DS treated group. Increased level of Caspase-3 and upregulation of TNF-α with different doses of DS. In light of our findings, DS may lead to adverse effects that are dose-dependent in the prenatal subjected kidney to this drug.

Se investigaron los efectos tóxicos de diferentes dosis de diclofenaco sódico (DS) en el riñón de ratas, durante su período postnatal (0-7 días), por métodos morfométricos e inmunohistoquímicos. Para este propósito, se utilizaron 20 crías macho, de ratas Wistar albinas, y se dividieron en 5 grupos principales. El grupo Ia sirvió como control normal, el grupo fisiológico Ib recibió solución salina normal, el grupo II recibió una dosis baja de DS (3,9 mg/kg), el grupo III recibió una dosis media de DS (9 mg/kg) y el grupo IV recibió una dosis alta de DS (18 mg/kg). Se administraron los medicamentos de 0 a 7 días después del nacimiento de las ratas. En el octavo día de vida postnatal, todos los animales fueron sacrificados. Luego, se analizaron las muestras de riñón. Mediante hematoxilina-eosina se evidenció degeneración y necrosis, aparente atrofia de los glomérulos, infiltración de células mononucleares, vasos congestionados, aumento del tejido fibroso y distorsión de los túbulos contorneados proximales, con interrupción del margen en cepillo del grupo tratado con DS. Se detectó un aumento del nivel de caspasa-3 y regulación al alza de TNF-α con diferentes dosis de DS. A la luz de nuestros hallazgos, la DS puede provocar efectos adversos en el riñón, que dependen de la dosis de este medicamento administrada en el período posnatal.

Analytical study of clinicopathological data of Saudi patients with osteoarthritis subjected to total knee arthroplasty / Estudio analítico de datos clínico-patológicos de pacientes sauditas con osteoartritis sometidos a artroplastia total de rodilla

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disabling disease. Epidemiological studies have revealed various risk factors for OA, including sex, aging, obesity, occupational illnesses, and chronic diseases. Here we evaluate the clinical, pathological, and radiological findings of knee OA in a subset of Saudi patients who were subjected to total knee replacement (TKA). The study population included 30 Saudi patients with knee OA who were operated by TKA (from June 2014 to December 2015) in the Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Patient's clinical and radiological data were collected from the hospital files. Pathological examination of the excised superior articular surface of tibia and femoral condyles were done. Pearson Chi-squared analysis was used to test for differences between the variables in associated risk factors. There were more women than men. Sixty per cent of patients were older than 60 years [mean age, 59.2 (females) and 61.7 (men) years-old]. All patients exceeded obesity class 1, with females being more obese than males. Pathological examination of the superior articular surface of tibia and femoral condyles showed high score lesions, which was more apparent in females than in males. Radiological findings showed that most lesions were high grade. The findings of this study will help to understand the pathogenesis of OA and improve treatment decision making relevant to TKA in knee OA in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

La artrosis de rodilla (OA, por sus siglas en inglés) es una enfermedad invalidante común. Los estudios epidemiológicos han revelado diversos factores de riesgo para la OA, que incluyen el sexo, el envejecimiento, la obesidad, las enfermedades profesionales y las enfermedades crónicas. Aquí evaluamos los hallazgos clínicos, patológicos y radiológicos de la OA de rodilla en un subconjunto de pacientes sauditas que fueron sometidos a reemplazo total de rodilla (RTR). La población de estudio incluyó a 30 pacientes saudíes con OA de rodilla que fueron operados por RTR (desde junio de 2014 hasta diciembre de 2015) en el Departamento de Ortopedia, Facultad de Medicina, King Abdulaziz University, Arabia Saudita. Los datos clínicos y radiológicos de los pacientes se obtuvieron de las fichas hospitalarias. Se realizó examen patológico de la superficie articular superior de la tibia extirpada y cóndilos femorales. Se utilizó el análisis Chi-cuadrado de Pearson para probar las diferencias entre las variables en los factores de riesgo asociados. El número de mujeres era mayor que los hombres. El 60 % de los pacientes eran mayores de 60 años [edad media, 59,2 (mujeres) y 61,7 (hombres) años]. Todos los pacientes superaron la obesidad clase 1, siendo las mujeres más obesas que los hombres. El examen patológico de la superficie articular superior de la tibia y los cóndilos femorales mostraron lesiones con puntaje alto, que fue más evidente en mujeres que en hombres. Los hallazgos radiológicos mostraron que la mayoría de las lesiones eran de alto grado. Los hallazgos de este estudio ayudarán a comprender la patogenia de la OA y mejorarán la toma de decisiones sobre el tratamiento relevante para el RTR en la OA de rodilla en Arabia Saudita y en otros lugares.

Morphohistometric study of the ligamentum flavum in cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae: comparative approach

Anatomic characterization and fine structure of the human ligamentum flavum (LF), especially at different spinal levels, represent an attractive focus for the scientific and surgical application. Descriptive anatomical and structural study of LF at the cervical, thoracic and lumbar levels of the vertebral column in human cadavers is carried out here. The aim of the work is to clarify the anatomical features and fine structural differences in the human LF at different vertebral levels (cervical, thoracic and lumbar). Specimens of vertebral column were obtained from 34 human preserved cadavers. Their average age ranged between 56 and 69 years. Morphometric parameters including height, width and thickness of the ligament flavum at the midlevels of cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions were measured. Sections obtained from different levels were stained with different stains. Morphometric measurements involved the relative elastic area, relative collagen area, elastic area and collagen area% were measured.The results of the height, width and thickness of the LF at different spinal levels showed gradual increase in their mean values respectively. The LF midline gaps were found in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. The morphometrical measurements showed that the average elastic area was highest in the cervical region and lowest in the thoracic region. In the lumbar region, the percentages of both elastic area and the collagen area were nearly the same. The characterization of morphological and histological aspects of the LF at different spinal levels will be of great importance for applications in spinal surgery, biomechanical and physical rehabilitation of vertebral column

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Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury, a setting in which the functional mass is reduced and the role of PDE5 inhibitor

Liver ischemia reperfusion is induced during surgical procedures like liver transplantation and resection. Multiple mechanisms have been postulated to liver damage following liver ischemia reperfusion injury, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. The present study declares the possible mechanism of tadalafil, toward modulating the inflammatory response. Forty-eight rats were divided into 4 groups as follows; Sham group subjected to midline laparotomy only. Tadalafil group administered Tadalafil 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal 45 min before sham operation. I/R (Ischemiareperfusion) group, rats undergo 60 min of hepatic ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Tadalafil + I/R group rats undergo a similar pattern of I/ R after the treatment with Tadalafil 10 mg/kg, 45 min before ischemia. At the end of the reperfusion, the blood samples were collected for estimation of biochemical markers including liver enzymes using colorimetric assay method and serum: TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), IL-6 (interleukin 6) levels, ICAM- 1 (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1) were measured. Tissues were evaluated by semiquantitative and morphometrical approaches. Tadalafil succeeded in restoring normal levels of liver enzymes and ameliorating the oxidative stress as evidenced by decreasing MDA and restoring reduced glutathione levels in liver tissue homogenate. Also, Tadalafil exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, as it significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL6 and ICAM-1. The findings are supported by BCL-2, TNF-α immunomarkers. It is concluded that modulation of the inflammatory response might be one of the mechanisms of Tadalafil-mediated hepatoprotection, so it is recommended as an adjuvant therapy in liver surgery

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Protective role of CoQ10 or L-carnitine on the integrity of the myocardium in doxorubicin induced toxicity.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of different cancers and its clinical usage is hindered by the oxidative injury-related cardiotoxicity. This work aims to declare if the harmful effects of DOX on heart can be alleviated with the use of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or L-carnitine. The study was performed on seventy two female Wistar albino rats divided into six groups, 12 animals each: Control group; DOX group (10mg/kg); CoQ10 group (200mg/kg); L-carnitine group (100mg/kg); DOX+CoQ10 group; DOX+L-carnitine group. CoQ10 and L-carnitine treatment orally started 5days before a single dose of 10mg/kg DOX that injected intraperitoneally (IP) then the treatment continued for 10days. At the end of the study, serum biochemical parameters of cardiac damage, oxidative stress indices, and histopathological changes were investigated. CoQ10 or L-carnitine showed a noticeable effects in improving cardiac functions evidenced reducing serum enzymes as serum interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 ß), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Cardiotrophin-1, Troponin-I and Troponin-T. Also, alleviate oxidative stress, decrease of cardiac Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO) and restoring cardiac reduced glutathione levels to normal levels. Both corrected the cardiac alterations histologically and ultrastructurally. With a visible improvements in α-SMA, vimentin and eNOS immunohistochemical markers. CoQ10 or L-carnitine supplementation improves the functional and structural integrity of the myocardium.

Evaluation of the safety of conventional lighting replacement by artificial daylight.

BACKGROUND: Short morning exposure to high illuminance visible electromagnetic radiations termed as artificial daylight is beneficial for the mental health of people living in geographical areas with important seasonal changes in daylight illuminance. However, the commercial success of high illuminance light sources has raised the question of the safety of long hour exposure. METHODS: We have investigated the effect of the replacement of natural daylight by artificial daylight in Swiss mice raised under natural lighting conditions. Mice were monitored for neurotoxicity and general health changes. They were submitted to a battery of conventional tests for mood, motor and cognitive functions' assessment on exposure day (ED) 14 and ED20. Following sacrifice on ED21 due to marked signs of neurotoxicity, the expression of markers of inflammation and apoptosis was assessed in the entorhinal cortex and neurons were estimated in the hippocampal formation. RESULTS: Signs of severe cognitive and motor impairments, mood disorders, and hepatotoxicity were observed in animals exposed to artificial daylight on ED20, unlike on ED14 and unlike groups exposed to natural daylight or conventional lighting. Activated microglia and astrocytes were observed in the entorhinal cortex, as well as dead and dying neurons. Neuronal counts revealed massive neuronal loss in the hippocampal formation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that long hour exposure to high illuminance visible electromagnetic radiations induced severe alterations in brain function and general health in mice partly mediated by damages to the neocortex-entorhinal cortex-hippocampus axis. These findings raise caution over long hour use of high illuminance artificial light.

The role of curcumin in streptozotocin-induced hepatic damage and the trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells.

Diabetic patients frequently suffer from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The current study aimed to investigate the role of curcumin and the response of hepatic stellate cells in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hepatic damage. Sixty male rats were divided into three groups. The normal control injected with a citrate buffer vehicle and the diabetic control group which was injected intraperitoneally (IP) with a single-dose of streptozotocin (50mg/kg body weight) and a diabetic group was treated with an oral dose of curcumin at 80 mg/kg body weight daily for 60 days. Curcumin effectively counteracts oxidative stress-mediated hepatic damage and improves biochemical parameters. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was significantly reduced, and insulin antibodies showed strong positive immunoreactivity with curcumin administration. These results optimistically demonstrate the potential use of curcumin, which is attributed to its antiradical/antioxidant activities and its potential ß-cell regenerative properties. Also, it has the capability to encourage the trans-differentiation of hepatic stellate cells into insulin-producing cells for a period of time. In addition, as it is an anti-fibrotic mediator that inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and the transition to myofibroblast-like cells, this suggests the possibility of considering curcumin's novel therapeutic effects in reducing hepatic dysfunction in diabetic patients.

Prophylactic role of coenzyme Q10 and Cynara scolymus L on doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats: Biochemical and immunohistochemical study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the protective effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Cynara scolymus L (CS) on doxorubicin (dox)-induced toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male rats were divided into six groups. Group 1 as a control. Group 2 received dox (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Group 3 received CoQ10 (200 mg/kg). Group 4 received CS (500 mg/kg). Group 5 received CoQ10 (200 mg/kg) and dox (10 mg/kg). Group 6 received CS (500 mg/kg) and dox (10 mg/kg). The rats were then evaluated biochemically and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Dox produced a significant deterioration of hepatic and renal functional parameters. Moreover, an upsurge of oxidative stress and nitrosative stress markers. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was increased and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was decreased. Administration of CoQ10 and CS resulted in a significant improvement of hepatic and renal functional parameters, and an improvement of both α-SMA and PCNA. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that pretreatment with CoQ10 and CS is associated with up-regulation of favorable protective enzymes and down-regulation of oxidative stress. That can be advised as a supplement to dox-treated patients.

Effect of acrylamide on testis of albino rats. Ultrastructure and DNA cytometry study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the harmful effects of acrylamide on the structure of testis in albino rats, in an attempt to clarify its potential risks on human health. METHODS: The present study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 2010 to December 2011. Forty-eight adult male albino rats (250-300 g) were divided randomly into 6 groups. Electron microscopy and histochemical techniques using Feulgen stain were used to conduct the morphological study. In addition, DNA cytometry method was used. RESULTS: Rats treated with acrylamide 25 mg/kg body weight for 10 days showed mild affection, whether acrylamide was administered orally or intraperitoneally. On the other hand, the testis of the group treated with a dose of 50 mg/kg/10 days showed damage, especially with intraperitoneal administration in comparison to oral treatment. This was in the form of degeneration of germ cells, numerous multinucleated giant cells with sloughed seminiferous epithelium, and vacuolation in-between the germ cells. CONCLUSION: Exposure to acrylamide produced degenerative changes in the testis, which were more prominent with a longer period of exposure. Recommendations are necessary to decrease acrylamide level in different foods, and ways to decrease acrylamide formation during preparation of different foods should be advertised.