Thyroid-disrupting effects of bisphenol S in male Wistar albino rats: Histopathological lesions, follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis, and biochemical changes.

In this presented study, the aim was to investigate the toxic effects of bisphenol S (BPS), one of the bisphenol A analogues, on the thyroid glands of male Wistar albino rats. Toward this aim, the rats (n = 28) were given a vehicle (control) or BPS at 3 different doses, comprising 20, 100, and 500 mg/kg of body weight (bw) via oral gavage for 28 days. According to the results, BPS led to numerous histopathological changes in the thyroid tissue. The average proliferation index values among the thyroid follicular cells (TFCs) displayed increases in all of the BPS groups, and significant differences were observed in the BPS-20 and BPS-100 groups. The average apoptotic index values in the TFCs were increased significantly in the BPS-500 group. The serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and serum free thyroxine levels did not show significant changes after exposure to BPS; however, the serum free triiodothyronine levels displayed significant decreases in all 3 of the BPS groups. BPS was determined to cause significant increases in the antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as a significantly decreased content of reduced glutathione. The malondialdehyde level in the thyroid tissue was elevated significantly in the BPS-500 group. The data obtained herein revealed that BPS has thyroid-disrupting potential based on structural changes, follicle cell responses, and biochemical alterations including a decreased serum free triiodothyronine level and increased oxidative stress.

Exploring of the ameliorative effects of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) ethanolic flower extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats via biochemical, histological and molecular aspects.

BACKGROUND: Nerium oleander L. is ethnopharmacologically used for diabetes. Our aim was to investigate the ameliorative effects of ethanolic Nerium flower extract (NFE) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Seven random groups including control group, NFE group (50 mg/kg), diabetic group, glibenclamide group and NFE treated groups (25 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg, and 225 mg/kg) were composed of forty-nine rats. Blood glucose level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin level, liver damage parameters and lipid profile parameters were investigated. Antioxidant defense system enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and immunotoxic and neurotoxic parameters were determined in liver tissue. Additionally, the ameliorative effects of NFE were histopathologically examined in liver. mRNA levels of SLC2A2 gene encoding glucose transporter 2 protein were measured by quantitative real time PCR. RESULTS: NFE caused decrease in glucose level and HbA1c and increase in insulin and C-peptide levels. Additionally, NFE improved liver damage biomarkers and lipid profile parameters in serum. Moreover, lipid peroxidation was prevented and antioxidant enzyme activities in liver were regulated by NFE treatment. Furthermore, anti-immunotoxic and anti-neurotoxic effects of NFE were determined in liver tissue of diabetic rats. Histopathogically, significant liver damages were observed in the diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were decreased partially in the 225 mg/kg NFE treated group. SLC2A2 gene expression in liver of diabetic rats significantly reduced compared to healthy rats and NFE treatment (25 mg/kg) caused increase in gene expression. CONCLUSION: Flower extract of Nerium plant may have an antidiabetic potential due to its high phytochemical content.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and remedial effects of southern grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum Guss. ex Ten.) plant extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats.

We aimed to determine the phytochemical contents of the aerial part M. neglectum aerial part (MAP) and M. neglectum bulb (MB) ethanolic extract of Muscari neglectum and to investigate their protective effects on gastric damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. After the toxicity testing, 42 female Wistar albino rats were divided into 7 groups, Control, MAP, MB, CCl4, CCl4 + MAP, CCl4 + MB, and CCl4 + Silymarin groups. At the end of the experiment, the serum biochemical parameters, antioxidant defense enzymes, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the stomach tissue were evaluated to determine the antioxidant role of the M. neglectum extracts. According to the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, fatty acid analysis, octadecadienoic, and 9,12,15 octadecatrienoic fatty acids were found as major fatty acids in the MAP, whereas 9,12 octadecadienoic and octadecanoic acids were the major fatty acids in the MB. According to the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, quinic acid, fumaric acid, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, kaempferol, and apigenin were found in the MAP, while quinic acid, fumaric acid, caffeic acid, and kaempferol were found in the MB. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extract were determined in the MAP and MB. The MAP and MB extracts generally caused a statistically significant decrease in the MDA content and increase in the antioxidant parameters in the stomach tissue. It was concluded that MAP and MB extracts may have antioxidant and gastric protective effects due to the phytochemical content of M. neglectum.HighlightsAccording to LC-MS/MS results, quinic acid, fumaric acid, chemferol, apigenin, and caffeic acid were determined as major compounds in M. neglectum extracts.According to GC-MS results, octadecadienoic, octadecatrienoic, and octadecanoic methyl esters were the major fatty acids of the M. neglectum extracts.The M. neglectum extracts regulated the levels of stomach damage and biochemical parameters.The M. neglectum extracts extract might have pharmaceutical-nutritional potential.

The Protective Role of Urtica dioica Seed Extract Against Azoxymethane-Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective role of Urtica dioica seed (UDS) extract against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, AOM, AOM + UDS, and UDS. The AOM and AOM + UDS groups were induced by AOM (15 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously once a week for 10 weeks. AOM + UDS and UDS groups additionally received fed with pellets included 30 ml/kg UDS extract. At the end of the trial, blood and colon tissue samples were taken from the rats following necropsy. The gross and histopathological findings revealed that the administration of UDS extract significantly decreased lesions including aberrant cript foci, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma formation both numerically and dimensionally. Immunohistochemically, slight CEA and COX-2, strong Caspase-3 immune-expressions were detected in the group AOM + UDS compared to AOM group. Biochemical examinations indicated that a markedly increase in the malondialdehyde and fluctuated antioxidant defense system constituents levels such as reduced glutathione, glutathione s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase were restored in AOM + UDS group. These results reveal that the UDS may act as a chemopreventive dietary agent, inducing apoptosis, resulting in a significant reduction of colon carcinogenesis.

Investigation of the effects of three different generations of fluoroquinolone derivatives on antioxidant and immunotoxic enzyme levels in different rat tissues.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are synthetic and broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs derived from nalidixic acid. FQs are used against SARS-CoV-2 in our country, and for the treatment of some urinary tract diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory tract diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and dermatological diseases. The present study investigated the effect of 1-,7-,14-day treatments of three different FQ derivatives; ciprofloxacin (CIP) 80 mg/kg/day, levofloxacin (LVX) 40 mg/kg/day, and moxifloxacin (MXF) 40 mg/kg/day, on biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, and immunotoxicity. 72 Wistar albino male rats were distributed to four groups including 18 rats in each group and were sacrificed on three different time points. The 14-day treatment of MXF significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Furthermore, 14-day treatment of LVX increased liver [GSH, MPO, ADA, superoxide dismutase (SOD)], and GSH (erythrocyte) levels; whereas it significantly reduced the levels of AST, TG (triglycerides) and associated parameters levels in all the tissues (MDA), erythrocytes, and liver (MPO, CAT, SOD, GPx). After 14-day treatment of CIP; the erythrocyte levels of GSH, MPO, GPx, and CAT significantly decreased; whereas the levels of glucose, creatinine, MPO (liver), and GST (kidney and erythrocyte) significantly increased. It has been concluded that FQ derivatives used in this experiment did not display any correlation in terms of the efficacies in the different time points and tissues. Thus, it is recommended to use such FQ derivatives considering the duration of use and target tissue.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf infusion against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) is used in folk medicine against tooth and knee pain, wounds, inflammation, and stomach discomfort; however, the effects of P. orientalis leaf (PO-leaf) infusion on the liver and kidney are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of an infusion obtained from dried P. orientalis leaves against ethanol-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats. After a toxicity test, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Ethanol 20%, Ethanol 20% + Silymarin (10 mg/kg), Ethanol 20% + PO-20 mg/mL infusion, and Ethanol 20% + PO-60 mg/mL infusion. The PO-leaf infusion doses were given ad libitum during 28 days to test the biochemical and antioxidant enzyme levels. According to the results, the PO-leaf contained rich compounds such as benzaldehyde, palmitic acid, 2,4-ditert-butylphenol, stearic acid, octadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, kaempferol, and kaempferol derivatives. In the Ethanol group, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, UA, and urea in the serum and GST and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and erythrocyte tissues showed a significant increase compared to the Control group. AST, LDH, GGT, UA, and LDL-C levels in the serum and MDA (all tissues) significantly decreased in the Ethanol + PO-60 mg/mL group compared to the Ethanol group. SOD, GPx, and CAT activities in the kidney tissue of the Ethanol group showed a significant decrease compared to the Control group, whereas the GPx activity in kidney tissue in all of the treatment groups increased significantly compared to the Ethanol group. These findings suggest that the administration of the determined PO-leaf infusion doses might have a protective role against ethanol-induced liver and kidney damage in rats.

Variations in the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant biomarkers in some tissues of anadromous cyprinid fish during migration.

Alburnus tarichi is an endemic fish species inhabiting the Lake Van basin of Turkey. This anadromous cyprinid fish migrates for spawning to the freshwater inlets pouring into Lake Van, which has highly alkaline and brackish water. During the migration, the fish moves to a new habitat from a different habitat and encounters many challenges. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether antioxidant responses occur in the tissues of A. tarichi during its anadromous migration. To this end, fish were sampled at three different points and in two different periods from the migration route, including in Lake Van at prespawning, at the entrance of a freshwater stream (Karasu) at spawning and in the upstream of the freshwater stream at spawning. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and antioxidant defenses including activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase and the level of glutathione were assayed in liver, gill, white muscle, trunk kidney and anterior intestine tissues. Our results showed increased MDA levels in liver, white muscle and anterior intestine and tissue-specific antioxidant responses in the freshwater environment. This study reports that alterations occurred in the antioxidant defense system indicators in the tissues of anadromous cyprinid fish during migration and that the antioxidant defenses might reflect an important role in spawning migration that ultimately leads to accomplishment of reproductive activity.

Investigation of the protective effects of horse mushroom (Agaricus arvensis Schaeff.) against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress in rats.

Wild and cultured mushrooms have been extensively used for food and medicinal purposes all around the world. However, there is limited information on chemical composition, health enhancing effects and contributions on diet of some mushrooms (e.g., Agaricus arvensis) widely distributed in many countries including United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey etc. Therefore, the present study was aimed to analyse the bioactive composition and ameliorative effects of A. arvensis via evaluating in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties in CCl4 induced rat model. The extract exhibited higher antioxidant capacities in vitro than that of the positive control (Reishi-Shiitake-Maitake standardized extract). Administration of the extract had significant regulative effects in the levels of AST, ALT, LDH, Urea and TRIG levels according to CCl4 group. Additionally, lipid peroxidation and GSH in the brain, kidney and liver tissues was regulated by extract treated groups compared to the CCI4 group. The supplementation of the extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg regulated the levels of GST, GR, CAT and GPx enzyme activities in brain and liver, but not in kidney tissue. There was approximately three fold increase in CAT enzyme activity in kidney tissue of extract treated groups compared to Control and CCl4 groups. The extract contained a rich composition of bioactive compounds including phenolics (protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid), volatile compounds (benzaldehyde, palmitic acid and linoleic acid) and mineral compounds (K, Si, Mg and Na). Data obtained within this study suggests that A. arvensis might be used for food industries in order to obtain nutritional products.

Alterations in histology and antioxidant defense system in the testes of the lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi Güldenstädt, 1814).

Recent reports have demonstrated gonadal abnormalities in the Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi) from Lake Van caused by increasing pollution. In the present study, the fish was collected from an area of Lake Van receiving mainly sewage treatment plant effluent at prespawning period (April) and from a river (Karasu) which is close to the polluted area of the lake and where the fish migrates at spawning period (May). Collected specimens were examined for testicular alterations, gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (CF), and antioxidant defense system biomarkers based on comparison with a reference lake (Erçek) and a reference freshwater inlet (Memedik River). Histological examinations of the testes of fish from the polluted area and the connected river showed various alterations consisting of macrophage aggregates, vacuolation, pyknosis, germ cell degeneration, seminiferous tubule dilation, disorganization of tubules, reduced spermatozoa, and fibrosis. A lower GSI and CF were also observed. Moreover, alterations in the antioxidant system biomarkers were determined in the testis tissues of fish from the Lake Van and Karasu River, indicating oxidative stress. These results suggest that the abnormalities in the testes are causally related to the increased oxidative stress, and pollution in Lake Van may have adversely affected the reproductive health of the lake Van fish.

Healing effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Context Sumac [Rhus coriaria L. (RC) (Anacardiaceae)] is used as a folk medicine in the treatment of diabetes in Turkey. Objective This study investigates the in vivo healing and protective effects of lyophilized extract sumac against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic complications. Materials and methods Toxicity test was conducted in three different dosages (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg of plant extracts, respectively). Six groups of seven rats each were used in experiments. Groups were designed as Normal control, Diabetic (DM), DM + AC-20 mg/kg, DM + Extract-100 mg/kg, DM + Extract 250 mg/kg and DM + Extract 500 mg/kg group. Experimental diabetes [50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)] was induced by STZ. The effects of oral administration of the extract for 21 d on the level of serum glucose, insulin, C-peptide, lipid profile (LP), hepatic and renal damage biomarkers (HRDB), diabetic serum biomarkers (DSB), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), antioxidant defence system constituents (ADSCs), malondialdehyde (MDA) and α-glucosidase activity in small intestine tissue were evaluated. Results The extract decreased the levels of blood glucose in diabetic groups (an average of 31%). Triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels were balanced by plant extract (500 mg/kg) supplementation in the diabetic group. Decreased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (89%), alanine aminotransferase (91%), lactate dehydrogenase (35%), alkaline phosphatase (47%), creatinine (25%) and urea (29%) were detected in plant extract (500 mg/kg) supplemented diabetic group. Additionally, a considerable increase in the HRDB, DSB, LP, MDA and fluctuated ADSC levels were restored in RC-extract supplemented groups. Conclusion RC lyophilized extract has a healing effect on diabetes and diabetes-related complications.

Protective effect and antioxidant role of sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) oil against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.

CONTEXT: Sweetgum oil (SO) obtained from the Liquidambar orientalis Mill (Hamamelidaceae) tree has been used in Turkish folk medicine for centuries as an antiulcerigenic. Some studies have reported the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of SO; however, its effect on hepatic and oxidative stress complications is still unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect and the antioxidant role of SO against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment included control, CCl4, SO, and CCl4 + SO treatment groups. Control and SO group rats were fed a diet without CCl4. CCl4 and CCl4 + SO treatment groups received 0.5 mL/kg CCl4 diluted in olive oil (1:1 dilution) intraperitonally injection twice per week. The CCl4 + SO group also received 1000 mg/kg SO-supplemented feed for 50 d. Blood and tissue samples were used for the determination of hepatic damage serum biomarkers (HDSBs) levels, antioxidant defense system constituents (ADSCs), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. In addition, the liver was evaluated for histopathological changes. RESULTS: According to the results, the HDSBs levels of the CCl4 group were significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared with the control, whereas the HDSB levels of the CCl4 + SO group resulted in marked decreases (p < 0.05) compared with the CCl4 group. In addition, the results showed that SO-supplemented diet restored the CCl4-induced MDA and ADS towards to control. Hepatoprotection of SO is further substantiated by the almost normal histologic findings in the CCl4 + SO group against degenerative changes in the CCl4 group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It was concluded that SO has a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant capacity against CCl4 toxicity.

Exploring phytochemical constituents of Achillea arabica Kotschy. ethanolic flower extract by LC-MS/MS and its possible antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to reveal the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of ethanolic lyophilized extract of Achillea arabica flower extract against streptozotosine (STZ)-induced in diabetic rats and to determine its phytochemical content by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After toxicity test, 35 female rats were divided into five groups. Control, diabetes mellitus (DM), A.arabica (400 mg/kg) extract, DM + A. arabica (400 mg/kg) extract and DM + Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). It was determined that while diabetic rats treated A.arabica plant extract significantly decreased blood glucose level, serum glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney damage biomarker levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to the DM group, it caused fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme levels. According to LC-MS/MS results of A. arabica flower extract, quinic acid (2439.9 µg/g), cyranoside (858.4 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (698.7 µg/g), and cosmosiin (347.8 µg/g) were determined as major compounds, respectively. In addition, two new compounds were determined in this extract according to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Mass analyses and these compounds were named edremitine and achillosine, respectively. Thus, A.arabica flower extract has possible therapeutic effects to prevent high blood glucose level and oxidative stress caused by DM in liver and kidney via its high phenolic content.

Ameliorative effects of Scutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. Extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: chemical composition, biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

BACKGROUNDS: Scutellaria Pinnatifida subsp. pichleri (Stapf) Rech.f. (SP) is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the study was to determine the phenolic profile of SP extract (SPE) by LC-MS/MS and to investigate the antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of SPE in streptozotosin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model. METHODS: Forty-two rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7): Control (nondiabetic), diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + SP-100 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 100 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-200 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 200 mg/kg/day), DM + SP-400 (diabetic rats treated with SPE, 400 mg/kg/day) and DM + Gly-3 (diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide, 3 mg/kg/day). Live body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG) level, antidiabetic, serum biochemical and lipid profile parameters, antioxidant defense system, malondyaldehyde (MDA) and histopathological examinations in liver, kidney and pancreas were evaluated. RESULTS: Apigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin were determined to be the major phenolic compounds in the SPE. Administration of the highest dose of SP extract (400 mg/kg) resulted in a significant reduction in FBG levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats, indicating an antihyperglycemic effect. SPE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide significantly improved MDA in liver and kidney tissues. In addition, SPE contributed to the struggle against STZ-induced oxidative stress by stimulating antioxidant defense systems. STZ induction negatively affected liver, kidney and pancreas tissues according to histopathological findings. Treatment with 400 mg/kg and glibenclamide attenuated these negative effects. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the extract of the aerial part of Scutellaria pinnatifida subsp. pichleri has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and insulin secretion stimulating effects against STZ-induced diabetes and its complications due to its antidiabetic and antioxidant phytochemicals such as apigenin, luteolin, quinic acid, cosmosiin and epigallocatechin.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of grapeseeds against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds (GS) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant roles of the GS supplementation feed against ethanol-induced oxidative stress were evaluated by measuring liver damage serum marker enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase and lactate dehydrogenase, antioxidant defence system such as GSH, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in various tissues of rats. Rats were divided into four experimental groups: I (control), II (20 % ethanol), III (15 % GS) and IV (20 % ethanol+15 % GS). According to the results, the level of serum marker enzymes was significantly increased in group II as compared to that of group I, but decreased in group IV as compared to that of group II. Also, administration of GS-supplemented food restored the ethanol-induced MDA, which was increased near the control level. The results indicated that GS could be as important as diet-derived antioxidants in preventing oxidative damage in the tissues by reducing the lipid oxidation or inhibiting the production of ethanol-induced free radicals in rats.

Ameliorative role of Cyanus depressus (M.Bieb.) Soják plant extract against diabetes-associated oxidative-stress-induced liver, kidney, and pancreas damage in rats.

In this original article, we aimed to assess the ameliorative role of Cyanus depressus (CD) plant ethanolic extract treatment of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced liver, kidney, and pancreas damage in rats. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 7): control, CD, Diabetes mellitus (DM), DM + CD, and DM + glibenclamide (Gly). The DM groups were injected with a single dose of 50 mg/kg STZ intraperitoneally (i.p.). While the CD and DM + CD groups received 400 mg/kg/day intragastrically for 21 days, the DM + Gly group received 3 mg/kg/day of Gly intragastrically throughout the experiment. Statistically significance was accepted as p < .05. According to our liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) data, quinic acid, cosmosiin, nicotiflorin, apigenin, and protocatechuic acid were the major compounds, in descending order. Weekly blood glucose, serum glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and urea, malondialdehyde (MDA) (liver and pancreas), and blood glycosylated hemoglobin % (HbA1c %) were significantly decreased, whereas finally live body weights (LBWs), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) (pancreas), and pancreatic islet diameter and area were increased significantly in the CD-treated diabetic group. Moreover, CD administration was found to be effective in the protection of the histology of the liver, kidneys, and pancreatic islets in the STZ-induced rats. Consequently, we concluded that CD administration reduces hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and histopathology in STZ-induced experimental rats by improving antioxidant defenses. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Today, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing rapidly throughout the world and it causes complications such as kidney damage, blindness, amputations, and cardiovascular diseases. Despite medical technological advances, people's interest in medicinal herbal products is gradually increasing. Biochemical and histopathological findings showed that the use of the plant CD at the determined dose (400 mg/kg/day) in rats with DM by STZ had strong antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. CD may have a drug potential in preventing DM and its complications because of its phytochemical content including some phenolic acids such as quinic acid, cosmosiin, nicotiflorin, apigenin, and protocatechuic acid. Isolation of bioactive compounds from CD and investigation of their therapeutic effects could be planned as further studies.

Consumption of the Syrian mesquite plant (Prosopis farcta) fruit and seed lyophilized extracts may have both protective and toxic effects in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from dried Prosopis farcta fruit and seeds against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. According to the results, glucose, haemoglobin A1c, α-glycosidase activity, liver and kidney damage biomarkers, and malondialdehyde contents of all of the diabetic groups were found to have increased significantly according to the control group. Furthermore, the insulin and C-peptide secretions increased, and liver malondialdehyde level decreased, which were determined as the result of fluctuations in the antioxidant enzyme activities with a dose of 400 mg/kg fruit extract, while seed extract dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg caused an increase in hepatic demage biomarkers. It was concluded that fruit extract may have insulin secretion stimulating and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects, whereas seed extract might have caused hepatocyte damage changes to the transport functions and membrane permeability of these cells, thus causing enzymes to leak.

The protective effects of the Lactarius deliciosus and Agrocybe cylindracea mushrooms on histopathology of carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in rats.

We investigated the protective effects of L. deliciosus and A. cylindracea supplementation against carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) induced oxidative stress by measuring levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), and by observing histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues of rats. We divided 36 rats into six groups: control, CCl4, L. deliciosus, A. cylindracea, CCl4 + L. deliciosus, and CCl4 + A. cylindracea. We found that administration of CCI4, A. cylindracea, and CCl4 + A. cylindracea increased MPO and ADA levels. We observed severe hepato-renal degenerative and necrotic lesions in the CCI4, A. cylindracea and CCl4 + A. cylindracea groups. Severe lesions of the liver and kidney were not observed with A. cylindracea administration. CCI4 induced hepato-renal lesions were ameliorated by L. deliciosus extract supplementation. L. deliciosus could be an important dietary antioxidant for preventing histologic lesions in liver and kidney due to CCI4 induced oxidative stress in rats.

Determination of Tissue Protective and Antioxidant Activities of Two Medicinal Mushrooms from Turkey against CCl4-lnduced Experimental Oxidative Stress in Rats.

This study aimed at determining hepatoprotective and antioxidants effects of Lactarius deliciosus and Agrocybe cylindracea against CCl4-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats. Herein, 36 rats were divided into 6 groups: (I) Control, (II) CCl4, (III) CCl4 + L. deliciosus, (IV) L. deliciosus, (V) CCl4 + A. cylindracea, and (VI) A. cylindracea. According to the 7-week study results, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) (brain), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (kidney), malondialdehyde (MDA) (kidney), MDA (spleen), MDA (erythrocyte), GST (erythrocyte), and GST (liver) in group III (at 10%, 26%, 34%, 57%, 7%, 25%, 42%, 27%, and 35%, respectively) were significantly lower than in group II. Moreover, the reduced glutathione (GSH) (spleen) and catalase (spleen) in group III (at 20% and 38%, respectively) were significantly higher than in group II. AST, ALT, triglyceride, glutathione reductase (GR) (brain), GR (kidney), SOD (spleen), and SOD (liver) in group V (at 194%, 147%, 38%, 36%, 66%, 8%, and 7%, respectively) were significantly higher than in group II. However, MDA (kidney), MDA (erythrocyte), (GSH) (erythrocyte), MDA (liver), GSH (liver), and GST (liver) in group V (at 48%, 35%, 34%, 15%, 30%, and 41%, respectively) were significantly lower than in group II. Hence, while L. deliciosus may exhibit tissue-protective against CCl4-induced OS in rats, A. cylindracea does not.

Lyophilized Extract of the Horse Mushroom, Agaricus arvensis (Agaricomycetes), Delays Erythrocyte Hemolysis and Stabilizes Some Blood Parameters in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats.

This study evaluates the protective effects of a lyophilized extract of the horse mushroom, Agaricus arvensis, on hematological parameters and its antioxidative role against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress in rats. The protective effects of the A. arvensis extract were evaluated by comparing hematological parameters, erythrocyte fragility, and components of the antioxidant defense system (e.g., reduced glutathione [GSH] level; glutathione S-transferase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase [GPx], and superoxide dismutase activities; and malondialdehyde content in erythrocytes). The 4 experimental groups included the controls (group I), CCl4-treated rats (group II), rats treated with CCl4 + 100 mg/kg A. arvensis extract (group III), and those treated with CCl4 + 500 mg/kg A. arvensis extract (group IV). Erythrocyte hemolysis in 0.6% NaCl was lower in groups I, III, and IV (at 38%, 22%, and 34%, respectively) than in group II. GSH levels in groups I, III, and IV were higher by 54%, 12%, and 11%, respectively, than that in group II. GPx enzyme activity in group II was significantly lower than the activity in groups I, III, and IV (by 138%, 70%, and 64%, respectively). In addition, administration of the A. arvensis extract resolved the dangerous effects of CCl4 on some hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells, platelet count, plateletcrit, and red cell distribution width. We conclude that the A. arvensis extract has therapeutic effects against CCl4-induced oxidative stress, reduces erythrocyte fragility, and improves a number of hematological parameters in rats.

Determination of hepatoprotective and antioxidant role of walnuts against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats.

The aims of our study were the evaluation of the hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant role of walnuts against ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant role of the walnuts supplementation feed against ethanol-induced oxidative stress were evaluated by measuring liver damage serum marker enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST); alanine aminotransferase (ALT); gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); and antioxidant defense systems such as reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content in various tissues of rats. Rats were divided into six experimental groups: I (control), II (20 % ethanol), III (10 % walnuts), IV (20 % ethanol + 10 % walnuts), V (5 % walnuts), and VI (20 % ethanol + 5 % walnuts). According to the results, the biochemical analysis showed a considerable increase in the serum aspartate AST, ALT, GGT, and LDH in the group II as compared to that of group I, whereas decreased in group IVas compared to that of group II. In addition, administration of walnuts supplementation restored the ethanol-induced imbalance between MDA and fluctuated antioxidant system toward close control group particularly in the tissues. The results indicated that walnuts could be as important as diet-derived antioxidants in preventing oxidative damage in the tissues by reducing the lipid oxidation or inhibiting the production of ethanol-induced free radicals in rats.