Protective effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk on nicotine-induced reproductive system disorders in male mice.

OBJECTIVE: The protective effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk on reproductive disorders induced by nicotine was investigated in the present study. METHODS: In this experimental study, 30 male NMRI mice (25-30gr) were divided into 5 groups: controls, sham, nicotine 2.5mg/kg, nicotine+aqueous extract of corn silk 400mg/kg, and nicotine+methanolic extract of corn silk 400mg/kg for 34 days. One day after the last nicotine and extracts administration, the serum samples were collected through cardiac puncture for hormonal measurements, and the testis and tail of the epididymis were isolated for the testis antioxidant, morphology, histopathology assessments, and sperm count. RESULTS: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased in the nicotine group. Testosterone, sperm count, and glutathione (GSH) decreased when compared to the control group. Both aqueous and methanolic extracts of corn silk led to the improvement of mentioned changes; Except for GSH, because only treatment with methanolic extract could lead to its increase (p<0.05). Nicotine decreased the thickness of the epithelium of seminiferous tubules and the separation between them, and the administration of corn silk extracts improved that. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine consumption increased oxidative stress, LH levels, and decreased testosterone and sperm count, which indicate the induction of primary hypogonadism in animals. Moreover, the use of corn silk extracts has recovered the amounts of sex hormones and sperm count to normal conditions by reducing lipid peroxidation.

Explanation of near-death experiences: a systematic analysis of case reports and qualitative research.

Background and objective: Some individuals report a near-death experience (NDE) after a life-threatening crisis, which refers to a range of subjective experiences related to impending death. This experience is a phenomenon with transcendental elements, which leads to deep permanent changes in both the individual and the social lives of the NDEr's. Therefore, this study aims to review the near-death experiences of individuals with different religious and cultural views. Methodology: This is a systematic analysis study. All the case report, case series and qualitative research studies which presented patients' NDE experiences were included in the study, without language restrictions, and in the period of 1980-2022. The stages of screening, selection, data extraction, and quality assessment have been gone through by two of the researchers. Data analysis and synthesis has been done qualitatively. JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Findings: After the initial search, 2,407 studies were included, 54 of which underwent final examination. The total number of the NDEr's in the studies was 465 men, women, and children. Among these studies, 27 were case reports, 20 were case series, and 7 were qualitative studies. Near-death experiences have been categorized into 4 main categories and 19 subcategories. The main categories include emotional experiences (2 subcategories), cognitive experiences (4 subcategories), spiritual and religious experiences (4 subcategories), and supernatural experiences [9 subcategories in two categories (out of body experiences, and supernatural and metaphysical perceptions)]. Conclusion: The most frequent near-death experiences were supernatural experiences, especially the experience of leaving the body. The basis and the content of the patterns mentioned by the NDEr's are similar, and the differences are in the explanation and the interpretation of the experience. There is a common core among them such as out-of-body experiences, passing through a tunnel, heightened senses, etc. Therefore, correct knowledge of near-death experiences leads to providing helpful answers to patients.

Effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Seidlitzia rosmarinus on male mouse reproductive system: An experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Seidlitzia rosmarinus on reproductive hormones, sperm variables, and antioxidant enzymes level in the mice testis. METHODS: In this experimental study, 24 three-month-old male NMRI mice weighing (25-30g) were divided into three groups: control, aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Seidlitzia rosmarinus 100mg/kg. Dissolved extracts were gavaged orally for 35 days. One day after receiving the last dose of the extract, the blood sample, testis, and the epididymis tail were taken for plasma hormonal, testicular antioxidants level, sperm count, and vitality assessments. RESULTS: Testicular level of malondialdehyde increased in aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts groups (p=0.04); total antioxidant capacity decreased in aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extracts groups (p=0.008); and the consumption of aqueous (p<0.001) and hydro-alcoholic (p=0.03) extracts decreased catalase in comparison with the control group. The plasma level of luteinizing hormone decreased in the aqueous extracts administrated group (p=0.009); the follicle-stimulating hormone increased in aqueous (p=0.03), and hydro-alcoholic extracts administered mice; and the testosterone level decreased in aqueous extract-treated animals versus the control group (p<0.001). The sperm count was increased in aqueous (p=0.04) and hydro-alcoholic (p=0.009) extracts groups, but its vitality was decreased (p=0.008) in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Seidlitzia rosmarinus has an adverse effect on male reproductive hormones and sperm viability via increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant defense system performance.

Alterations in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically review and pool data regarding the alterations in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies were identified by searching databases and gray literature through December 2020. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled frequency of IBD patients with disease course alterations ("improved," "unchanged," or "aggravated") after LT and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes in 2 or 3 categories. In the analysis of studies with 3-category outcomes (n = 13), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved, unchanged, or aggravated IBD course after LT were 29.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 41.9%), 51.4% (95% CI, 45.5% to 57.3%), and 25.2% (95% CI, 15.6% to 34.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), younger age at LT, or shorter duration of follow-up were more likely to have an improved disease course. Moreover, higher IBD exacerbation estimates were observed in studies with a low risk of bias. In the analysis of studies with 2-category outcomes (n = 12), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved/unchanged or aggravated IBD course were 73.6% (95% CI, 62.2% to 85.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI, 15.1% to 33.2%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of an exacerbated IBD course following LT was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.29; P < .001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that IBD activity remains unchanged (or improved/unchanged) in most IBD patients following LT. Furthermore, IBD type, age, and follow-up length can influence the IBD course after LT.

Our meta-analysis revealed that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity remained "unchanged" (or "improved/unchanged") in most IBD patients following liver transplantation. IBD type, age, and follow-up length could influence the IBD course after liver transplantation.

Myricitrin and Its Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Increase Insulin Secretion and Content of Isolated Islets from the Pancreas of Male Mice

Abstract Glucose exposure induces toxic effects on the function of the pancreatic islets. Moreover, myricitrin as a flavonoid glycoside may have favorable effects on insulin secretion of Langerhans islets. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Myricitrin and its solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on the insulin secretion as well as the content of isolated pancreatic islets from male mice. In this experimental study, Langerhans islets were separated from adult male NMRI mice using the collagenase method. The insulin secretion and content of islets were assessed in glucose-containing medium (2.8, 5.6, and 16.7mM). Further, islets treated were prepared by the administration of Myricitrin and its SLN (1, 3 and 10µM). Myricitrin 3µM, and SLN containing Myricitrin 3 and 10µM increased insulin secretion in medium containing glucose concentration 2.8mM. Accordingly, this variable increased in Myricitrin 3 and 10µM, SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10µM utilization as well as glucose concentration 5.6mM. Afterward, the insulin secretion increased in medium containing 16.7mM glucose after the addition of Myricitrin and SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10µM. Also, the insulin content increased in Myricitrin and SLN containing Myricitrin 1, 3, and 10µM administered groups in all medium containing glucose concentrations. Myricitrin and its SLN increased islets insulin secretion and content in low, moderate, and high glucose concentration mediums

Caffeic acid protects mice pancreatic islets from oxidative stress induced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).

Increasing applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) indicate the necessity to examine their toxicity. According to previous studies, CNTs caused oxidative stress that impaired ß-cell functions and reduced insulin secretion. Our previous study indicated that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) could induce oxidative stress in pancreatic islets. However, there is no study on the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on islets and ß-cells. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate effects of MWCNTs on the oxidative stress of islets and the protective effects of caffeic acid (CA) as an antioxidant. The effects of MWCNTs and CA on islets were investigated using MTT assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), the content of glutathione (GSH) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and insulin secretion measurements. The lower viability of islet cells was dose-dependent due to the exposure to MWCNTs according to the MTT assay. Further studies revealed that MWCNTs decreased insulin secretion and MMP, induced ROS creation, increased the MDA level, and decreased activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and content of GSH. Furthermore, the pretreatment of islets with CA returned the changes. These findings indicated that MWCNTs might induce the oxidative stress of pancreatic islets occurring diabetes and protective CA effects that were mediated by the augmentation of the antioxidant defense system of islets. Our research suggested the necessity of conducting further studies on effects of MWCNTs and CA on the diabetes.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in isolated proximal tubules of mouse: the in vitro effects of myricitrin and its solid lipid nanoparticle.

CONTEXT: The hyperglycemia (Hyper) induces oxidative stress in kidney tubular cells. Myricitrin (Myr) has an antioxidant effect along with low bioavailability. OBJECTIVE: The present research investigated the effects of Myr and its solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) on isolated proximal tubules exposed to the hyperglycemic condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the proximal tubules of mice were dissected by the microdissection method and the tubules were prepared for experimental or Real Time-PCR measurement. RESULTS: The malondialdehyde level, transforming growth factor-ß, nuclear factor kappa B and Bax genes expression increased in Hyper and decreased in Hyper + Myr and its SLN-treated groups compared to Hyper. Superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, the viability of proximal tubules and Bcl-2 gene expression decreased in untreated Hyper and increased in all treatment groups compared to Hyper. CONCLUSION: The hyperglycemia-induced oxidative disorder, inflammation and apoptosis in proximal tubules and that administrating Myr and its SLN improved them.

Effects of Myricitrin and Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Containing Myricitrin on Reproductive System Disorders Induced by Diabetes in Male Mouse.

PURPOSE: The present study investigates the effects of myricitrin and solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) containing myricitrin on the reproductive system of type 2 diabetic male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, SLN containing myricitrin was prepared by the cold homogenization method. Then, 90 adult male Naval Medical Research Institute mice were divided into 9 groups (n=10): control, vehicle, diabetic, diabetic+myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) 15 minutes after nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) injection. Myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin administered during 1 month. At the 34th days of the experiment, plasma and tissue samples were taken for experimental assessments. RESULTS: Testis weight and volume decreased in the diabetic group. These variables increased in diabetic treated mice by a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin (p<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in diabetic mice, and administration of myricitrin 10 mg/kg or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin increased them (p<0.05). Luteinizing hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, and sperm count decreased in the diabetic group, treatment with a high dose of myricitrin or all doses of SLN containing myricitrin recovered them (p<0.05). Diabetes induced vacuoles and apoptosis in testicular cells, meanwhile myricitrin and SLN containing myricitrin improved them (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes induced reproductive problem via increased oxidative stress and decrease antioxidant capacity, administration of myricitrin or SLN containing myricitrin improved them. Further, SLN containing myricitrin was more potent than myricitrin.

Eugenol Improves Insulin Secretion and Content of Pancreatic Islets from Male Mouse.

Glucose homeostasis is required for control of insulin secretion. Phenolic compounds improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Eugenol is a phenolic compound that may increase GSIS. So, it was decided to investigate the effect of eugenol on the insulin secretion and content of pancreatic islets from the male mice. In this experimental study, 3-month-old NMRI mice (20-25 g) were prepared. The pancreatic islets of Langerhans were isolated using the collagenase digestion method and divided into 12 groups: glucose 2.8, 5.6, and 16.7 mM, glucose 2.8 mM + eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM, glucose 5.6 mM + eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM, and glucose 16.7 mM + eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM. The islet's insulin secretion and content were measured after 1 hour and 24 hours incubation at 37°C, respectively, by the ELISA assays method and related commercial kit. Present results showed that all doses of eugenol increased islet's insulin secretion and content in the medium containing glucose concentrations 2.8, 5.6, and 16.7 mM (P < 0.05). In conclusion, eugenol as a phenolic compound increased insulin secretion and content of pancreatic islets. The moderate dose of this compound enhanced insulin secretion during hypo- and hyperglycemic conditions, as well as a high dose of eugenol, increased insulin content. Finally, present research suggested that the administration of eugenol 100 µM was suitable for the early stage of T2DM as well as eugenol 200 µM for the advanced stage of this disease.

Trace element nanoparticles improved diabetes mellitus; a brief report.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that induces several complications in various organs such as the liver, kidney, and reproductive system. Trace elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, and magnesium play an essential role in the management or treatment of diabetes mellitus. AIM: the aim of the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of these trace elements nanoparticles and their probable mechanism of action on diabetes and its complications. METHODS: The present brief report was conducted with a search of articles published in several databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The articles were selected from 2011 to 2018 using the keywords "zinc," "copper," "selenium," "magnesium," and "diabetes." Following the eligibility criteria were selected 16 articles and 1 book. RESULTS: The scientific results of the presented brief report show that zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium have antidiabetic effects. Also, they improved the diabetes-induced complications through increase antioxidant enzyme level, glucose utilization, and insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION: While zinc, copper, selenium, and magnesium revealed antidiabetic effects, but their nanoparticles were more potent for the treatment of this disease.

Antioxidant Effects of Eugenol on Oxidative Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide in Islets of Langerhans Isolated from Male Mouse.

BACKGROUND: The antioxidant system in islets of Langerhans is weak, which can lead to diabetes. Meanwhile, the main component of cloves that produce antioxidant effects is eugenol. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant effect of eugenol on oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in islets of Langerhans isolated from the male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, adult Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice (20-25 g) were prepared. The collagenase digestion method was used for dissecting the islets of Langerhans. H2O2 50 µM was administered for 30 min to induce oxidative stress, with 50, 100, and 200 µM of eugenol employed for 2 hours before the administration of H2O2. The experimental groups were divided into five groups: (control, H2O2, and H2O2+eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM). Finally, the islet's lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels were measured by the ELISA assay method. RESULTS: Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) increased in all groups when compared to the control (P < 0.05). MDA diminished in H2O2+eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM (P < 0.01) groups versus the H2O2. TAC was elevated when eugenol 50, 100, and 200 µM was administered in oxidative stress-induced islets (P < 0.001). Also, CAT increased in the H2O2+eugenol 50 (P < 0.05) group in comparison with the H2O2 group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, H2O2 induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in the islets, and administration of eugenol recovered these alterations by raising the level of TAC and CAT, while reducing MDA as a lipid peroxidation biomarker.

Efficiency of naringin against reproductive toxicity and testicular damages induced by bisphenol A in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Bisphenol A (BPA) as a synthetic compound is applied in many plastic industries. BPA has been reported to have endocrine-disrupting feature with cytotoxic effects. The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of Naringin against testicular toxicity induced by BPA in adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The animals were assigned into six groups of control, BPA-treated (50 mg/kg), BPA+Naringin-administrated (40, 80, 160 mg/kg) and Naringin-treated (160 mg/kg) for 30 days. At the end of experiments, testicular weight, total testicular protein, epididymal sperm count, testicular enzymes, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol, testicular enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and histopathology of testis tissue were evaluated by their own methods. RESULTS: The results showed a reduction in testicular weight, total testicular protein, epididymal sperm count, testicular enzymes (alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase) and decrease in the serum TSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol in BPA-administrated rats. Furthermore, BPA reduced the enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in testis tissue. Also, BPA caused an induction in lipid peroxidation and increase in reactive oxygen species levels, whereas it decreased the glutathione content of testis tissue. Histological findings exhibited seminiferous tubules vacuoles, atrophy and separation of the germinal epithelium in BPA-administrated rats. Oral administration of Naringin along with BPA normalized the biochemical, morphological and histological changes and reduced the testicular toxic condition. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that Naringin significantly managed male reproductive toxicity by antioxidant capabilities, preventing morphological modifications and escalating defense mechanism, thereby reducing oxidative stress from BPA-induced damage.

Toxic Effects of Chronic Exposure to High-Fat Diet and Arsenic on the Reproductive System of the Male Mouse.

Objective: Obesity is associated with reproductive disorders. Arsenic disrupts male reproduction by direct effects on the male gonads or androgens secretion. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of chronic concomitant administration of high-fat diet (HF) and arsenic on the reproductive system of the male mouse. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 72 adult male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: low-fat diet (LF0), LF+arsenic 25 ppm, LF+arsenic 50ppm, HF0, HF+arsenic 25 ppm and, HF+arsenic 50 ppm. 24 hours after the last experimental day, plasma samples, the cauda of epididymis and testis were prepared and removed for hormonal, sperm count and histopathological assessments. Results: Testis weight and volume increased in HF0 than other groups except for LF0. Plasma LH and testosterone levels decreased in LF50, HF0, HF25, and HF50 compared to LF0. A similar effect was observed in plasma FSH levels of HF0, HF25 and HF50 groups compared with LF0. Plasma level of estradiol increased in LF50 versus to other groups. Testosterone to estradiol ratio and sperm count decreased in all groups compared to LF0. Reduced interstitial cells and large numbers of vacuoles were observed in germinal epithelium of HF0 group, that these changes were more intense in both concentrations of arsenic-treated mice. Conclusion: Present study indicated that chronic exposure to HF and arsenic-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism concomitant with sperm count reduction and testicular damage.

Antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and protective effects of myricitrin and its solid lipid nanoparticle on streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic male mice.

OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluates the protective effects of myricitrin and its solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) on diabetic nephropathy (DN) induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 108 adult male NMRI mice were divided into 9 groups: control, vehicle, diabetes, diabetes + myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg and, diabetes + SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg. After the experimental period, the plasma and tissue samples were collected for experimental, histopathological, real-time PCR and apoptosis assessments. RESULTS: Total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glomerular filtration rate, plasma level of albumin, urine (BUN) and, creatinine (Cr) levels decreased, and the kidney weight, intake/output, malondialdehyde, plasma level of BUN and Cr, urine level of sodium, potassium, albumin and glucose, fractional excretions of sodium and potassium, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) gene expression, red blood cell accumulation and infiltration of inflammatory cells, and kidney apoptosis increased in untreated diabetic mice compared to the control group, and administration of myricitrin and its SLN recovered all of these changes. CONCLUSION: Ultimately, myricitrin and its SLN administration improved DN changes by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant enzymes level, and these effects were more prominent in the SLN-administered mice.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Myricitrin Have Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Effects on Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Model and Myotube Cell of Male Mouse.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may occur via oxidative stress. Myricitrin is a plant-derived antioxidant, and its solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) may be more potent. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of myricitrin SLN on streptozotocin-nicotinamide- (STZ-NA-) induced T2DM of the mouse and hyperglycemic myotube. In this experimental study, cold homogenization method was used to prepare SLN. Then, 120 adult male NMRI mice were divided into 7 groups: control, vehicle, diabetes (received STZ 65 mg/kg 15 min after injected NA 120 mg/kg), diabetes + SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, and diabetes + metformin. For in vitro study, myoblast (C2C12) cell line was cultured and divided into 6 groups (n = 3): control, hyperglycemia, hyperglycemia + SLN containing myricitrin 1, 3, and, 10 µM, and hyperglycemia + metformin. After the last nanoparticle treatment, plasma samples, pancreas and muscle tissues, and myotubes were taken for experimental assessments. Diabetes increased lipid peroxidation and reduced antioxidant defense along with the hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreas apoptosis. Hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress, antioxidant impairment, and cellular apoptosis. Myricitrin SLN improved diabetes and hyperglycemia complications in the in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, SLN of myricitrin showed antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiapoptotic effects in the mouse and myotube cells.

Toxic effect of Tropaeolum majus L. leaves on spermatogenesis in mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hydroethanolic extract toxicity, obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. (TM) on mouse testicular tissue. METHOD: In this experimental study, we used 32 male NMRI mice. The experimental groups received 75, 375 and 750 mg/kg of TM extract, respectively. Twenty-four hours after the last experimental day, serum samples were collected for hormonal measurement. Then, the cauda of epididymis and testis were removed for sperm count and histopathological assessments. RESULTS: Testosterone serum and testicular levels decreased in 750 mg/kg in the treated group when compared to the control animals (1.65±0.25; p=0.041 and 98.83±8.67; p=0.034 respectively). Histopathological criteria such as epithelial vacuolization (9.3±1.1; p=0.034), sloughing (4.3±0.4; p=0.027) and detachment (12.2±0.9; p=0.031) of germ cells were significantly increased in 750 mg/kg in the treated mice. In addition, there were no significant changes in histopathological criteria; sperm head numbers, Johnsen's scoring, and morphometry assessments were carried out in the 75 and 375 mg/kg treated mice. At the dose of 750 mg/kg, the seminiferous tubule diameter (193.2±4.6; p=0.019), seminiferous epithelium height (139.2±5.1; p=0.023), and maturation arrest were significantly decreased in this group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, TM extract has toxic effects on the mouse testicular tissue in high doses. Hence, we recommend caution concerning its consumption by patients with reproductive problems.

Evaluation of Diabetogenic Mechanism of High Fat Diet in Combination with Arsenic Exposure in Male Mice.

Obesity is a main reason of type 2 diabetes and also chronic exposure to arsenic (As) can produce diabetic symptoms. In previous studies, the association between high-fat diet and arsenic in the incidence of diabetes was found, but the role of beta cells activity, liver mitochondrial oxidative stress, and hepatic enzymes (leptin, adiponectin and beta amylase) was unclear. Thus, present study was conducted to evaluate the diabetogenic mechanism of arsenic followed by concomitant administration of high-fat diet (HFD) in male mice. In this experimental study, the mice consumed with HFD or low-fat diet (LFD) while exposed to As 25 or 50 ppm in drinking water for 20 weeks. At the end of experiments, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance variables, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes, liver mitochondrial oxidative stress, islet insulin secretion, liver, and pancreas histopathology were evaluated in all mice by their own methods. Control HFD fed mice showed a significant increase in FBG, OGTT, HOMA-IR, ITT, lipid profile, leptin, ß-amylase, liver mitochondrial oxidative stress, hepatic enzymes and decreased FPI, HOMA-ß, adiponectin, and islet insulin secretion or content. However, exposure to HFD concomitant with Arsenic revealed an impressive reduction in FBG, FPI, HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß, ITT, lipid profile, and islet insulin secretion or content. This exposure enhanced OGTT, leptin, adiponectin, liver mitochondrial oxidative stress, and hepatic enzymes. In conclusion, HFD and arsenic concomitant administration induced impairment of OGTT and islet insulin secretion or content through the mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Antioxidant effect of myricitrin on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in C2C12 cell.

Hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress inside the cells. Myricitrin, as an antioxidant plant-derived component, may be useful in hyperglycemia. Hence, the aim of this study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant effects of myricitrin on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative damage in myotubes (C2C12 cells). In this experimental study, mouse myoblast cell line (C2C12) was obtained and divided into five groups: control, hyperglycemia, hyperglycemia + myricitrin 1, 3, and 10 µM. After treatment period for 48 h, cells were collected, homogenized, and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 min. All samples were kept at - 80 °C until experimental and real-time PCR assessments were performed. Hyperglycemia increased malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p < 0.001), and cellular apoptosis, and decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), myotube glycogen content (p < 0.05), glucose transporter type 4 (Glut-4), and cellular viability (p < 0.001). Myricitrin administration improved SOD (p < 0.05), CAT (p < 0.01), muscle cell's glycogen content (p < 0.01), Glut-4 gene expression (p < 0.001), Thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) (p < 0.05), and Bax to Bcl-2 ratio (p < 0.001), and reduced MDA (p < 0.05) compared to hyperglycemia group. In conclusion, hyperglycemic condition induced oxidative stress along with cellular apoptosis, and myricitrin improved these disorders. Also, low and moderate doses of myricitrin are more efficient on skeletal muscle cells exposed to hyperglycemic statues than a high concentration of this antioxidant agent.