Intestinal Histopathological Aberrations in Oreochromis niloticus Juveniles upon Dietary Florfenicol Administration.

The aquaculture use of antibiotics can cause detrimental effects on fish organs and gut microbial dysbiosis. The impact of florfenicol (FFC) on fish intestinal histology, an approved antibiotic, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FFC on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles by administering FFC at 10 mg and 30 mg/kg biomass/day for 30 consecutive days to mimic long-term use. A dose-dependent reduction in feed intake, survival and biomass, with an upsurge in mortalities was observed. Even the therapeutic dose instigated mortalities on day 30 of FFC dosing (FD). Histopathological analysis revealed mild to moderate alterations, including loss of absorptive regions, epithelial degeneration, necrotized areas, intercellular enterocytic space and swollen laminar propria. Post-dosing, the observation of the detachment of lamina propria from the epithelium indicated imminent irritability. Goblet cells reduced drastically on day 30 FD, accompanied by an increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes. However, cessation of dosing for 13 days resulted in the reclamation of goblet cells and absorptive regions, indicating that the intestinal tissues underwent considerable repair after lifting antibiotic pressure. These findings suggested that O. niloticus can tolerate dietary FFC but emphasize the need for responsible use of antibiotics in aquaculture.

A soybean based-diet prevents Cadmium access to rat cerebellum, maintaining trace elements homeostasis and avoiding morphological alterations.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous heavy metals that exists. A prolonged exposure to Cd causes toxic effects in a variety of tissues, including Central Nervous System (CNS), where it can penetrate the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Cd exposure has been linked to neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Soy isoflavones have a strong antioxidant capacity, and they have been shown to have positive effects on cognitive function in females. However, the mechanisms underlying Cd neurotoxicity remain completely unresolved. The purpose of this study was to characterize the potential protective effect of a soy-based diet vs. a casein-based diet against Cd toxicity in rat cerebellum. Female Wistar rats were fed with casein (Cas) or soybean (So) as protein sources for 60 days. Simultaneously, half of the animals were administered either 15 ppm of Cadmium (CasCd and SoCd groups) in water or regular tap water as control (Cas and So groups). We analyzed Cd exposure effects on trace elements, oxidative stress, cell death markers, GFAP expression and the histoarchitecture of rat cerebellum. We found that Cd tissue content only augmented in the Cas intoxicated group. Zn, Cu, Mn and Se levels showed modifications among the different diets. Expression of Nrf-2 and the activities of CAT and GPx decreased in Cas and So intoxicated groups,while 3-NT expression increased only in the CasCd group. Morphometry analyses revealed alterations in the purkinje and granular cells morphology, decreased number of granular cells and reduced thickness of the granular layer in Cd-intoxicated rats, whereas no alterations were observed in animals under a So diet. In addition, mRNA expression of apoptotic markers BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and p53 expression increased only in the CasCd group, a finding confirmed by positive TUNEL staining in the cerebellum granule cell layer in the same group. Also, Cd intoxication elicited overexpression of GFAP by astrocytes, which was prevented by soy. White matter alterations were only subtle and characterized by intramyelinic edema in the CasCd group. Overall, these results unmask an irreversible toxic effect of a subchronic Cd intoxication on the cerebellum, and identify a protective role by a soy-based diet with potential as a therapeutic strategy for those individuals exposed to this dangerous environmental contaminant.

Hepatoprotective potential of flavonoid-rich extracts from Gongronema latifolium benth leaf in type 2 diabetic rats via fetuin-A and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of flavonoid-rich extracts from Gongronema latifolium Benth on diabetes-induced type 2 rats via Fetuin-A and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TnF-α). METHODS: In a standard procedure, the flavonoid-rich extract was prepared. For experimental rats, streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally (45 mg/kg body weight) to induce diabetes mellitus. Following this, rats were given 5% of glucose water for 24 h. Hence, the animals were randomly divided into five groups of ten rats each, consisting of non-diabetic rats, diabetic controls, diabetic rats treated with low and high doses of flavonoid rich-extracts from Gongronema latifolium leaf (FREGL) (13 and 26 mg/kg, respectively), and diabetic rats treated with 200 mg/kg of metformin glibenclamide orally for 3 weeks. Afterwards, the animals were sacrificed, blood and liver were harvested to evaluate different biochemical parameters, hepatic gene expressions and histological examinations. RESULTS: The results revealed that FREGL (especially at the low dose) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activities, lipid peroxidation level, as well as relative gene expressions of fetuin-A and TNF-α in diabetic rats. Furthermore, diabetic rats given various doses of FREGL showed an increase in antioxidant enzymes and hexokinase activity, as well as glucose transporters (GLUT 2 and GLUT 4), and glycogen levels. In addition, histoarchitecture of the liver of diabetic rats administered FREGL (especially at the low dose) was also ameliorated. CONCLUSION: Hence, FREGL (particularly at a low dose) may play a substantial role in mitigating the hepatopathy complication associated with diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of dose-dependent reproductive toxicity of diclofenac sodium in male rats.

Diclofenac sodium is widely used in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of pain and inflammation. It is also particularly associated with its adverse effects on avian fauna and linked to environmental issues. The present study was aimed to assess the dose-dependent toxicity of diclofenac sodium on a male reproductive system of rats. Four groups of healthy adult fertile male rats were administered with saline (control) or 0.25 mg/kg, 0.50 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg of diclofenac sodium, respectively for 30 days. Alterations in body and organ weight, sperm and testicular cell population dynamics, serum biochemistry, histopathology, and hematology were investigated as per aimed objectives. Diclofenac sodium treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.001) reduced weights of testis, epididymis, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle. Sperm count, sperm density (in epididymis and testis), sperm motility and testicular cell population dynamics were lowered in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of diclofenac exhibited varying degrees of degeneration testis, abnormal histo-architectures, and shrinkages in seminiferous tubules, particularly in higher doses. Diclofenac sodium treatments also altered hepatic and renal function parameters significantly. In conclusion, it may claim that diclofenac sodium treatment altered reproductive metabolic status, androgenic activities and histo-architecture of the testis of male rats and induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity.

Hydroalcohol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed attenuates markers of inflammation and oxidative stress while improving exocrine function in diabetic rats.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: The herb fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn (Fabaceae), seeds have been traditionally used in the treatment of diabetes but its effect on oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the improvement of exocrine function of diabetes has not been studied. The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds (HEF) on alloxan-induced type-II diabetic rat model was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effect of HEF (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg), glimepiride (4 mg/kg), and combination of HEF (500 mg/kg) + glimepiride (2 mg/kg), on alloxan-induced diabetic rats was evaluated by assaying (blood glucose, serum protein, glycosylated hemoglobin, muscle and liver glycogen, glucose uptake by diaphragm, liver glucose transport, serum pancreatic enzymes (α-amylase, lipase), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), antioxidant enzymes [glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD)], lipid peroxides (liver and pancreas), and histoarchitecture (liver, pancreas). RESULTS: Treatment with HEF (at different doses), glimepiride, and HEF + glimepiride increased body weight and glucose uptake, reduced plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glucose transport, pro-inflammatory cytokines, pancreatic enzymes and restored depleted glycogen (muscle, liver) and total protein significantly (p < 0.01) and dose dependently, including prevention of lipid peroxidation and restoration of GSH and SOD (liver and pancreas). Treatment with HEF + glimepiride potentiated hypoglycemic activity of glimepiride. Histoarchitecture of liver and pancreas showed marked improvement. CONCLUSION: Present experimental findings suggest that HEF possesses promising hypoglycemic activity, presumably by amelioration of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. HEF may be useful as an adjuvant with clinically effective antidiabetic drugs in the management of type-II diabetes.

Effect of season on histoarchitecture of pineal gland in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

Background: The photoperiod and other seasonal variations are the key factors that affect reproduction and production of the animals. The pineal gland secretes melatonin hormone that affects several physiological functions of the body during different seasons. Aims: The present study was conducted to study the histoarchitectural and micrometrical changes in the pineal gland of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during different seasons of the year. Methods: Pineal glands of 30 adult female Jaffarabadi buffaloes were collected from the slaughterhouse during the winter, summer, and rainy seasons. Samples were processed by standard histological procedures and stained with various stains for histological and micrometrical observations. Results: The pinealocytes constituted a major cellular portion of pineal parenchyma. The pinealocyte nuclei were lightly stained and more euchromatic during the winter season whereas darkly stained and slightly heterochromatic during summer. The calcium deposits occupied a larger area of pineal parenchyma during the summer as compared to the winter season. The pinealocyte density, the nuclear diameter of pinealocytes, and the number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) were highest during the winter season as compared to the summer and rainy seasons. Conclusion: The present study shows the influence of season on the histoarchitecture and histometry of the pineal gland of buffalo and indicated higher pineal activity during the winter season in this species.

NECAB1-3, parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin in the hippocampus of the European mole.

Many calcium-binding proteins are expressed in a region-and cell-type specific manner in the mammalian hippocampus. Neuronal calcium-binding proteins (NECABs) are also expressed in hippocampal neurons, but few species have been investigated, with partly controversial findings. We here describe NECAB1, NECAB2 and NECAB3 as well as parvalbumin, calbindin, and calretinin in the European mole, and compare staining patterns of these proteins with those in mouse and other species. While subtle differences are present, NECAB staining in the European mole was generally similar to those in mouse. Common to European moles, mice, and other species we investigated, large hilar polymorphic cells, likely to represent mossy cells, were positive for all three NECABs. NECAB1 and 2 are suitable as markers for these cells along the entire septotemporal axis of the hippocampus. In the European mole, parvalbumin, calbindin and calretinin showed traits that have been described in other species before, albeit in a unique combination. In summary, we provide the first description of distribution of these proteins in the hippocampus of the European mole. This subterranean, insectivorous, and solitary living species belongs to the Order of Eulipotyphla. Despite many similarities with other subterranean species from the rodent order in terms of lifestyle, its hippocampus is cytoarchitecturally much more elaborated than in, e.g., mole-rats. It remains an open question if the hippocampal structure of the European mole reflects evolutionary constraints or ecology. Our descriptive study highlights the diversity in hippocampal cytoarchitecture even in small mammalian species.

Inferotemporal face patches are histo-architectonically distinct.

An interconnected group of cortical regions distributed across the primate inferotemporal cortex forms a network critical for face perception. Understanding the microarchitecture of this face network can refine mechanistic accounts of how individual areas function and interact to support visual perception. To address this, we acquire a unique dataset in macaque monkeys combining fMRI to localize face patches in vivo and then ex vivo histology to resolve their histo-architecture across cortical depths in the same individuals. Our findings reveal that face patches differ based on cytochrome oxidase (CO) and, to a lesser extent, myelin staining, with the middle lateral (ML) face patch exhibiting pronounced CO staining. Histo-architectonic differences are less pronounced when using probabilistic definitions of face patches, underscoring the importance of precision mapping integrating in vivo and ex vivo measurements in the same individuals. This study indicates that the macaque face patch network is composed of architectonically distinct components.

Hypoglycaemic activity of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles in alloxan-induced diabetic Wister rats.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin. This study evaluated the hypoglycaemic activity of biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in alloxan-induced diabetic Wister rats. METHODS: CuO-NPs were synthesized via the green route and characterized using different analytical tools. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally using 90 mg/kg body weight of alloxan monohydrate in albino rats. Thirty (30) rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 rats each and orally treated for 21 days. Groups I and II were treated with 300 mg/kg bwt Cereus hildmannianus extract and CuO-NPs, respectively. Groups III and IV received 5 mg/kg bwt of Glibenclamide and 2 mL of normal saline, respectively, while Group V was left untreated as the diabetic control. Blood glucose (BG) levels and body weight changes were monitored at 3- and 7-day intervals, respectively, throughout 21-day treatment period. Lipid profiles, enzyme assays and histopathological studies of the liver were also carried out. RESULTS: Spheroidal tenorite phase of CuO-NPs with a crystallite size of 62.57 nm, surface area (20.64 m2 /g) and a UV-maximum absorption at 214.27 nm was formed. The diabetic rats treated with 300 mg/kg bwt CuO-NPs had the highest BG lowering ability (from 482.75 ± 27.70 to 124.50 ± 2.50 mg/dL). A significant difference (p < 0.05) in weight gain and serum enzymes was also observed in the CuO-NPs treated group compared with other groups. The CuO-NPs-treated group had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in HDL-cholesterol and a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: The green synthesized CuO-NPs nanoparticles significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose levels in rats and other associated indices and could serve as drug lead in the treatment of diabetes.

Age-related changes in the gut melatonin levels and its possible role in the regulation of feeding and digestibility, with the development of the gut from fingerling to adult stages of carp, Catla catla.

The present study aims to understand the feeding-related age-bound changes in gut histoarchitecture and its response to gut melatonin (GM) titer regulating major digestive enzymes in carp, Catla catla. Therefore, gut samples were collected from different growth stages of carp, viz. (i) fingerling (FL), body weight (BW) ≥ 3 g to ≤ 20 g; (ii) advanced fingerling (AFL), BW > 20 g to ≤ 40 g; (iii) early juvenile (EJv), BW > 40 g to ≤ 70 g; (iv) juvenile (Jv), BW > 70 g to ≤ 200 g; (v) late juvenile (LJv), BW > 200 g to ≤ 300 g; (vi) preadult (PA), BW > 300 g to ≤ 500 g; (vii) subadult (SA), BW > 500 g to ≤ 1.00 kg; and (viii) adult (AD), BW > 1 kg to ≤ 2.5 kg. Data analysis revealed that the highest titer of GM was noted in FL, moderate in AFL, Jv, and PA, lower in EJv, SA, and AD, and lowest in LJv. Results depicted a negative correlation between the development of the gut and its melatonin content. Moreover, GM was positively associated with feeding intensity and gastro-somatic index (GaSI) and negatively related to ovarian onset and development. Following correlation and principal component analysis, several pieces of evidence were recorded on the role of gut melatonin in regulating digestive physiology. Finally, it indicates that gut melatonin has a progressively influential role in improving digestion, particularly protein and microbial digestion, with the development of an adult gut from the fingerling stage.

Positive effect of green tea extract on reproductive toxicity induced by dimethoate in male mice.

Background: Dimethoate (DM) is one of the most organophosphorus pesticides used all over the world to control insect pests, the extensive use of this insecticide causes a health hazard to animals and humans. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the positive effect of green tea extract on sperm quality and testicular cytoarchitecture in male mice treated with DM and on its reproductive performance. Methods: Mice were divided into three groups, each group contained nine mice, the first group (control) was given distilled water only, the second group received DM at a dose (0.1 ml DM/100 ml distilled water) while the third group was given DM at a dose (0.1 ml DM/ 100 ml distilled water) and the green tea extract at a dose (100 mg/kg). After 20 days of the treatment, six mice from each group were killed, sperm quality (sperm count, morphology motility) and histopathological lesions of testis were evaluated. Results: The results showed that DM significantly affected sperm quality a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in abnormal sperm morphology and caused marked alterations in the microstructures of testicular tissues. When treated males were mated with untreated females, a decline in the number of live embryos was found, while the green tea extract revealed an effective role by reducing those negative influences. Conclusion: This study revealed that DM has detrimental effects on sperm quality, testicular tissues, and the embryos, while treatment with green tea revealed a positive role in improving those negative influences of DM without causing any harmful side effects.

The effects of salinities stress on histopathological changes, serum biochemical index, non-specific immune and transcriptome analysis in red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii.

This study aimed to investigate whether different salinity stresses (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 ppt NaCl) affect the histoarchitecture, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant responses, and transcriptome analysis of the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the degree of damage to the nuclei and mitochondria in the hepatopancreas increased with increasing salinity. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the degree of gill wrinkles was enhanced under salinity stress. Serum biochemical indices demonstrated that the cholesterol significantly decreased while the triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase contents significantly increased with increasing salinity. The antioxidant parameters, including catalase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase, significantly decreased, while the malondialdehyde content significantly increased under salinity stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression pattern of immune-related genes showed a downward trend. These findings enrich our knowledge about the salinity stress response of farmed organisms and provide a theoretical base for salinity domestication and saline soil cultivation of P. clarkii, which might contribute to income improvement, employment generation, food security, and environmental safety.

Regulatory effects of quercetin on testicular histopathology induced by cyanide in Wistar rats.

Several causes of infertility have been identified, and several papers have documented some compounds that cause infertility. One of the compounds reported to be toxic to the reproductive system is cyanide. In the management of infertility, various mechanisms ranging from synthetic drugs, natural products and supplements have been employed. Quercetin is an antioxidant supplement that has been used in the treatment of a variety of ailments. This work is aimed at investigating the role of quercetin in attenuating spermato-toxicity and testicular-histopathology induced by cyanide. Seventy-two (72) male wistar rat (weight 190 g ± 10 g) were divided into nine groups (n = 8) except for groups 4 and 5 with (n = 16). Group 1 (control) received physiological saline while Groups 2 and 3 received 0.5 and 1 mg/kg body weight (bwt) cyanide respectively for 56 days, groups 4 and 5 received 0.5 and 1 mg/kg bwt cyanide respectively for 30 days. At day 30, eight animals were sacrificed from Groups 4 and 5 and the remaining eight (8) rats were subdivided into groups (6 and 7) and were given 20 and 40 mg/kg bwt of quercetin respectively for twenty-six days. Co-administration of cyanide and quercetin at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg cyanide +20 mg/kg quercetin and 1 mg/kg cyanide +40 mg/kg quercetin were given to group 8 and 9 respectively for 56 days. Significant decreases in sperm parameters (count, motile and normal sperm) and increases in malondiadehyde concentration were observed in the cyanide treated groups. Testicular histoarchitecture showed few to no spermatozoa in the lumen of rats treated with cyanide. All these effects were attenuated by quercetin. In conclusion, quercetin regulates testicular histopathology induced by cyanide in Wistar rats. Data from this work suggests potential preventive or therapeutic applications of quercetin for individuals subjected to cyanide environmental pollution.

Alkaloidal extract from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides stimulates insulin secretion in normoglycemic and nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

INTRODUCTION: Increase in the prevalence of type-2 diabetes in Sub-Sahara Africa has created the need for robust treatment and management programs. However, an effective diabetes management program requires a high annual budget that most countries in this region cannot afford. That said, various plants and plant products in this region have either been confirmed and/or ethnopharmacologically used for the management of type-2 diabetes. AIM: To investigate the antidiabetic and insulin secretory effects of an alkaloidal extract derived from Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides in normoglycemic and experimental diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Alkaloidal extract was prepared from leaves of Z anthoxylum zanthoxyloides (ZZAE). Nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes was modeled in male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 130 to 150 g. The experimental diabetic rats were grouped into six treatment groups [Model, 20% Tween20, chlorpropamide, and ZZAE (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg)], and one control group. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), and body weight were measured weekly. Rats were sacrificed 2 days after treatment under chloroform anesthesia to collect blood samples and to isolate major organs for biochemical, and histological analyses respectively. Islets of Langerhans were isolated from normoglycemic rats and co-cultured with ZZAE and chlorpropamide (10 µg/mL) to assess the insulin secretory effect of ZZAE. RESULTS: ZZAE improved glucose kinetics curve in normoglycemic (p < 0.001) and experimental diabetic rats (p < 0.05) compared to the model. ZZAE (100 and 150 mg/kg) restored islets population, and improved kidney, and liver, histoarchitecture. ZZAE (150 mg/kg) improved post-treatment serum insulin levels compared to the model group (p < 0.001) and the Chlorpropamide group (p < 0.05). ZZAE also restored glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles of experimental diabetic rats and stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic islets of Langerhans isolated from normoglycemic rats. CONCLUSION: These results showed that ZZAE has active alkaloids that can be explored for diabetes management.

Mitigating the Growth, Biochemical Changes, Genotoxic and Pathological Effects of Copper Toxicity in Broiler Chickens by Supplementing Vitamins C and E.

This experiment was carried out to explore the efficiency of an individual or combined doses of vitamin C (Vit. C) and vitamin E (Vit. E) in alleviating biochemical, genotoxicity, and pathological changes in the liver induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4) toxicity in broiler chickens. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old broiler chicks were haphazardly allotted into five groups (five replicates/group, ten chicks/replicate). The birds were fed five experimental diets; (1) basal diet with no additives (CON), (2) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet (CuSO4), (3) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet, (4) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet +250 mg Vit. E /kg diet, (5) basal diets supplemented with 300 mg CuSO4/kg diet + 250 mg Vit. C /kg diet + 250 mg Vit. E /kg diet for six weeks. The results displayed that CuSO4-intoxicated birds had significantly (p < 0.05) decreased bodyweight, weight gain, and feed intake with increased feed conversion ratio from the 2nd week till the 6th week compared with the CON. However, these changes were minimized by single or combined supplementation of vitamin C and E. The FCR was insignificantly different in birds-fed diets complemented with vitamin C and E singly or in combination from the 3rd week of age compared to the CON. Serum aminotransferases (ALT, AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were elevated in CuSO4-intoxicated birds (p < 0.05). Additionally, they showed a drop in serum total protein (TP), albumin, globulins, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared to the CON (p < 0.05). Concomitantly, histopathological and DNA changes were perceived in the liver of CuSO4-intoxicated birds. Co-supplementation of Vit. C and Vit. E single-handedly or combined with CuSO4-intoxicated chickens enhanced the performance traits and abovementioned changes, especially with those given combinations of vitamins. From the extant inquiry, it could be established that supplementation of vitamin C and E was beneficial for mitigating the harmful effects of CuSO4 toxicity on growth performance and liver histoarchitecture in broiler chickens.

Supplemental progesterone during early pregnancy exerts divergent responses on embryonic characteristics in sows and gilts.

Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in pregnancy establishment and maintenance; during early pregnancy, P4 stimulates the production and release of uterine secretions necessary for conceptus growth prior to implantation; therefore, exogenous P4 supplementation may improve embryo development. This study evaluated the effects of supplementation during early pregnancy with long-acting injectable progesterone or altrenogest on embryonic characteristics of sows and gilts. Thus, a total of 32 sows and 16 gilts were used. On day 6 of pregnancy sows and gilts were allocated to one of the following groups: non-supplemented; supplemented with 20 mg of altrenogest, orally, from days 6 to 12 of pregnancy; supplemented with 2.15 mg/kg of long-acting injectable progesterone on day 6 of pregnancy. Animals were killed on day 28 of pregnancy, and ovulation rate, embryo survival, embryo weight, crown-to-rump length, uterine glandular epithelium and endometrial vascularization were assessed. Treatments had no effect on pregnancy rate, embryo survival or endometrial vascular density (P > 0.05). Non-supplemented gilts presented larger and heavier embryos compared to gilts from supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Sows in the altrenogest group presented larger and heavier embryos compared to non-supplemented sows and sows supplemented with long-acting injectable progesterone. In conclusion, supplementation of sows and gilts with progestagen from day 6 of pregnancy can be used as a means to improve embryo survival without deleterious effects.

Renal histoarchitectural changes in nevirapine therapy: possible role of kolaviron and vitamin C in an experimental animal model.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of literature regarding the nephrotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs and its interaction with plant-based adjuvants. This study investigates the attenuating effect of kolaviron in nevirapine-therapy on the histological structure of the kidneys of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. OBJECTIVE: To determine the attenuating influence of anti-oxidant status of kolaviron on the kidneys of experimental animals following nevirapine administration. METHODS: Forty eight pathogen-free adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study. The animals were divided into 8 groups (A-H) with 6 animals in each group. Group A was given normal saline as the control; group B was given nevirapine; group C was given kolaviron; group D was given vitamin C; group E was given nevirapine and kolaviron; group F was given nevirapine and vitamin C; Group G was given nevirapine and kolaviron (kolaviron withdrawn after day 28) and group H was given corn oil. The experiment lasted 56 days after which the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture for serum analysis and the kidneys were harvested and prepared for H& E histological examination. RESULTS: Nevirapine caused histoarchitectural damage in the glomerular apparatus with resultant increase in kidney/body weight ratio (p<0.001). Adjuvant treatment with kolaviron attenuated these nephrotoxic effects. Serum anti-oxidant enzyme (SOD and CAT) activities were significantly reduced in kolaviron and vitamin C treated animals, whereas in the nevirapine group these parameters were significantly elevated (P<0.05). However, co-administration of nevirapine and vitamin C did not improve the histoarchitecture of the kidney. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant treatment with kolaviron (an anti-oxidant) for 56 days appears to attenuate the nephrotoxicity of nevirapine in this model.

Protective effects of ethanolic peel and pulp extracts of Citrus macroptera fruit against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

Increases in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) have aroused strong interest in identifying antioxidants from natural sources for use in preventive medicine. Citrus macroptera (C. macroptera), commonly known as "Satkara", is an important herbal and medicinal plant reputed for its antioxidant, nutritious and therapeutic uses. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardio-protective effects of ethanol extracts of C. macroptera peel and pulp against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Male albino Wistar rats (n=36) were pre-treated with peel and pulp extracts (500mg/kg) for 45days. They received a challenge with ISO (85mg/kg) on the 44th and 45th days. Our findings indicated that subcutaneous injection of ISO induced severe myocardial injuries associated with oxidative stress, as confirmed by elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decreased cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and anti-peroxidative enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase, compared with levels observed in control animals. Pre-treatment with C. macroptera peel and pulp extracts prior to ISO administration however, significantly improved many of the investigated biochemical parameters, i.e., cardiac troponin I, cardiac marker enzymes, lipid profile and oxidative stress markers. The fruit peel extract showed stronger cardio-protective effects than the pulp extract. The biochemical findings were further confirmed by histopathological examinations. Overall, the increased endogenous antioxidant enzyme activity against heightened oxidative stress in the myocardium is strongly suggestive of the cardio-protective potential of C. macroptera.

Hepatoprotective effects of selenium during diabetes in rats.

The present study investigated the hepatoprotective role of selenium during alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, namely, normal control, selenium treated, diabetic, and selenium-treated diabetic. Diabetes was induced in the animals by injecting alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose rate of 150 mg/kg body weight. Selenium in the form of sodium selenite was supplemented to rats at a dose level of 1 ppm in drinking water, ad libitum for two time durations of 2 and 4 weeks. The effects of different treatments were studied on various parameters in rat liver, which included serum glucose levels, serum insulin levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione reduced (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), total glutathione (TG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, metallothionein (MT), and histoarchitecture. A significant increase in the serum glucose levels, LPO levels, and in enzyme activities of ALP, ALT, and AST was observed in diabetic rats which, however, got decreased significantly upon supplementation with selenium. On the contrary, decreased enzyme activities of GSSG, SOD, and CAT and depressed levels of GSH as well as serum insulin levels were observed in diabetic rats which got improved following selenium supplementation. Interestingly, MT levels were increased both in diabetic and selenium-treated diabetic rats. Further, marked alterations in histoarchitecture were seen in diabetic rats with the prominent features being congestion in sinusoids, lipid accumulation, and centrilobular hepatocyte degeneration. However, selenium treatment to diabetic rats showed overall improvement in the hepatic histoarchitecture.

Histo-architectural alterations induced by Euclinostomum heterostomum (metacercariae) infected liver of Channa punctata (Bloch).

Present investigation was carried out to study the effect of digenetic trematode, Euclinostomum heretostomum on the histo-architecture of liver of Channa punctata. In case of mild infection, the metacercariae were found attached to the external surface of hepatic tissue. While in case of acute or chronic infection, the encysted metacercariae of Euclinostomum heterostomum were found deeply embedded in the entire hepatic tissue due to which liver appeared thin, compressed and pale with yellowish- black nodules of encysted metacercariae. A space occupying cavity is created by the metacercarial cysts due to which tissue appeared in the form of lumps. Histo-architectural alterations induced by parasite included degeneration, compression and loosening of hepatic tissue with enucleated and deshaped hepatocytes.