Potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Citrus aurantium essential oil against carbon tetrachloride-mediated hepatotoxicity: A biochemical, molecular and histopathological changes in adult rats.

The present study aimed (1) to investigate the chemical composition as well as the anti-inflammatory properties and in vitro antioxidant activity of Citrus aurantium peel essential oil (pEOCa) and (2) to evaluate its potential effect in vivo. The main results showed that the major components of pEOCa are Limonene and Linalool. Additionally, DPPH scavenging ability and ß-carotene bleaching inhibition tests confirmed the antioxidant capacity of pEOCa. Our oil reduced the production of NO by LPS-stimulated RAW264,7 macrophages in a concentration-dependent. This inhibition occurred at a transcriptional level. pEOCa in CCl4 treated rats alleviated hepatotoxicity as monitored by the improvement of hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers levels plasma biochemical parameters, and DNA molecule aspect. Furthermore, the mRNA gene expression of Cu-Zn SOD, CAT, and GPx increased under CCl4 + pEOCa exposure to reach the same value to the control. Similarly, antioxidant activities of these three enzymes changed in accordance with the mRNA levels. These results were confirmed by the histological results. It seems obvious that the treatment with pEOCa prevented liver damage induced by CCl4 , thus preventing the harmful effects of free radicals.

Potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of walnut Juglans regia vegetable oil against lead-mediated hepatic damage and their interaction with lipase activity in rats.

Environmental pollutants, particularly lead, pose a serious threat to human and animal health that causes disturbances of several functions, including hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the search for a new treatment that could safely and effectively block or reverse liver injuries remains a challenge. This study was carried out to investigate the protective efficacy of Juglans regia vegetable oil (JRVO) against the hepatotoxicity induced by lead. To achieve this aim, adults male rats were treated for 10 days with Pb (0.344 g/kg bw) associated or not with JRVO (0.9 g/kg bw). The rats intoxicated by lead exhibited oxidative stress determined by TBARS, protein carbonyls, liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, and antioxidant status: SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH. Administration of lead increased the levels of plasma hepatic markers (AST, ALT, LDH) and bilirubin, the lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL-Ch, LDL-Ch levels, TBARS, NOx, and PCO), the plasmatic lipase activity and the inflammatory markers, while the plasmatic ALP decreased. Coadministration of JRVO restored all the hepatic markers, the lipid profiles and the antioxidants to near-normal values and lowered the plasmatic lipase activity as well as the elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Hepatic histological studies confirmed the beneficial role of JRVO through the amelioration of all biochemical parameters. Our results suggest that Juglans regia vegetable oil contains promising substances to counteract the lead intoxication and may be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Fermented camel milk prevents carbon tetrachloride induced acute injury in kidney of mice.

Fermented milk is known to possess potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to assess the preventive effect of fermented camel milk (FCM) prepared using lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris against CCl4 induced kidney damage in mice. Nephrotoxicity was induced in mice by a single dose of CCl4 (10 ml/kg 0·3% olive oil, ip). Female mice were pretreated daily with FCM for 15 d. Renal damage was associated with an increase in oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant) and nephropathology markers.The renal injury induced by CCl4 was confirmed by the histological study of the CCl4-intoxicated mice. Pretreatment with FCM significantly prevented renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while mice recovered normal kidney histology. Moreover, FCM prevented toxicity biomarker changes by reducing creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and electrolytes levels in plasma. These data indicate that FCM is efficient in inhibiting oxidative stress induced by CCl4, and suggests that the administration of this milk may be helpful in the prevention of kidney damage.

Effects of co-exposure to lead and zinc on redox status, kidney variables, and histopathology in adult albino rats.

Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that induces a wide range of biochemical and physiological effects in humans. Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in Pb toxicity. The current study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activities of zinc (Zn) supplement against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in rats. In this study, adults male rats were treated for 15 days with Pb (0.344 g/kg body weight (bw)) associated or not with Zn (10 mg/kg bw). Our study showed that supplementation with Zn prevented renal dysfunction as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase levels) and oxidative stress-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl, advanced oxidation protein product, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and vitamins (A, E)) in kidney tissue. The corrective effect of Zn on Pb-induced kidney nephrotoxicity recovered normal kidney histology. Overall, this study indicates that Zn alleviated the toxic effects of this heavy metal on renal tissue, suggesting its role as a potential antioxidant and nephroprotective agent.

Flavonoid compounds from the red marine alga Alsidium corallinum protect against potassium bromate-induced nephrotoxicity in adult mice.

Potassium bromate (KBrO3 ), an environmental pollutant, is a well-known human carcinogen and a potent nephrotoxic agent. Currently, natural products have built a well-recognized role in the management of many diseases induced by pollutants. As potent natural sources of bioactive compounds, marine algae have been demonstrated to be rich in novel secondary metabolites with a broad range of biological functions. In this study, adults male mice were orally treated for 15 days with KBrO3 (0.5 g/L) associated or not with extract of Alsidium corallinum, a red Mediterranean alga. In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Among these, Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed A. corallinum is rich in kaempferol, apigenin, catechin, and quercetin flavonoids. In vivo study showed that supplementation with the alga significantly prevented KBrO3 -induced nephrotoxicity as indicated by plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, and creatinin levels) and oxidative stress related parameters (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, vitamin C, hydrogen peroxide, protein oxidation products) in kidney tissue. The corrective effect of A. corallinum on KBrO3 -induced kidney injury was also supported by molecular and histopathological observations. In conclusion, it was established that the red alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts toxic effects of KBrO3 and could be a useful coadjuvant agent for treatment of this pollutant poisonings. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1475-1486, 2017.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant protective effect of Sarcocornia perennis L. (swampfire) in lead intoxicated rat.

Lead (Pb) is a very toxic metal present in the environment, causing disturbances of several functions. Preventive or curative effects of halophytic plants against these disorders may be a promising and safe therapeutic strategy. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate in vivo immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Sarcocornia perennis extract (Sp) against lead toxicity in rats. Groups of six animals each were treated with plant extract (via food), 6 g/L lead acetate (via drinking water) or a combination of both. At the end of the three-week period, rat exposure to lead caused reduction of liver weight but an increase of that of kidney. Moreover, lead intoxication-induced oxidative stress manifested by significant increases of inflammatory cytokines (except IL-10) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS), compared with the control group. Meanwhile, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and glutathione levels (GSH), as well as antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were decreased. Considering liver and renal markers, lead treatment induced a significant increase in the activities of aminotransferases (AST, ALT), and in the levels of urea, creatinine and phosphorous, whereas total plasma protein, albumin and calcium levels were significantly decreased. S. perennis extract alone did not induce any significant changes in hepatic or renal markers, whereas the antioxidant markers were significantly increased. S. perennis supplementation significantly reduced the lead-induced elevation of serum IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TBARS but increased the IL-10 and antioxidant enzyme activities. Overall, plant components ameliorated hepatorenal damages caused by lead.

Cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of the edible halophyte Sarcocornia perennis L. (swampfire) against lead-induced toxicity in renal cells.

Lead (Pb) exposure is considered as a risk factor responsible for renal impairment in humans. On the other hand, the halophyte Sarcocornia perennis is a fresh vegetable crop suitable for leafy vegetable production. This study was designed to evaluate the in vitro protective activity of S. perennis against lead-induced damages in HEK293 kidney cells. Morphological and biochemical indicators were used to assess cytotoxicity and oxidative damages caused by Pb treatment on the cells. Our results showed that lead induced (1) a decrease in cell viability (MTT), (2) cell distortion and cohesion loss, (3) superoxide anion production and lipid peroxidation. Conversely, addition of S. perennis extract to the lead-containing medium alleviated every above syndrome. Thus, cell survival was increased and the production of reactive oxygen species caused by Pb treatment was inhibited. Taken together, our study revealed that S. perennis has potent cytoprotective effect against Pb-induced toxicity in HEK 293 cell. Such action would proceed through the decrease in ROS levels and resulting oxidative stress, which suggests a potential interest of this halophyte in the treatment of oxidative-stress related diseases.

(-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) pharmacokinetics and molecular interactions towards amelioration of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia associated hepatorenal oxidative injury in alloxan induced diabetic mice.

Diabetes mellitus has become a serious problem associated with health complications, such as metabolism disorders and liver-kidney dysfunction. The inadequacies associated with conventional medicines have led to a determined search for alternative natural therapeutic agents. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hypoglycemic, antilipidemic, and antioxidant effects of EGCG in surviving diabetic mice. Alloxan diabetic mice were treated with EGCG. Their bloods were collected and submitted to various biochemical measurements, including blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, and transaminases. Their livers and kidneys were isolated to assess oxidative damage and to perform histological analysis. Both EGCG and insulin treatment of diabetic mice resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. EGCG supplementation also ameliorated hepatic as well as renal toxicity indices. Moreover, diabetic mice injected with EGCG exhibited significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver and kidney. Histological analyses also showed that it exerted an ameliorative action on these organs and efficiently protected the liver-kidney functions of diabetic mice. EGCG was found to bind α-amylase, PTP1B, and α-glucosidase with good affinities ranging from -6.1 to -8.4 kcal/mol. The findings revealed that EGCG administration induced attractive curative effects on diabetic mice, particularly in terms of liver-kidney function. EGCG can, therefore, be considered as a potential strong candidate for future applications to treat and alleviate diabetic burden. Its pharmacokinetics, high affinities, and molecular interactions with the targeted receptors satisfactory explain the in vivo findings.

Protective Effects of A. sativa against Oxidative Stress-Induced Liver Damage in Ovariectomized Mice.

Postmenopausal women express great failure in their ovarian hormone production, especially estrogen. This deficiency may promote hypercholesterolemia and accelerate the redox imbalance. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Avena sativa against estrogen deficiency-induced liver and uterus oxidative injury in experimental ovariectomized mice. Female mice were randomly divided into five groups: group one (negative control) received normal diet and distilled water (C), group two (positive control) received daily enriched diet with oat grains and was kept on tap distilled water at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 d-1 (A), group three (ovariectomized mice) was nontreated fed with normal diet (O), group four includes ovariectomized mice treated daily with estradiol given by intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 100 µg kg-1 d-1 (OE), and the fifth group also includes ovariectomized mice which received enriched diet with oat grain parts with the same dose given to group two. The treatment period lasted two consecutive months. Both oat and hormonal treatments of ovariectomized groups resulted in a significant reduction in triglycerides and total cholesterol and increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the plasma after 21 and 60 days of treatment. Besides, the coadministration of A. sativa has decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased transaminase activities after 21 and 60 days of treatment. On the other hand, this cereal has restored the enzymatic (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and nonenzymatic antioxidant activities (GSH) as well as the elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (AOPP and PCO) to near-normal values. The beneficial effects of this cereal were confirmed by a histological study of the liver and uterus of all previous cited groups. Our finding emphasized the antioxidant and antilipidemic effect of oat grain part, suggesting the use of this cereal in the prevention of liver and uterus diseases that occurred in postmenopausal women.

Protective effects of Avena sativa against oxidative stress-induced kidney damage resulting from an estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized Swiss mice model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of Avena sativa and to confirm its protective effects on estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized mice (OVX) model. Animals were treated during 21 and 60 days as follows: negative control, positive control treated with oat, ovariectomized, and ovariectomized receiving hormonal or oat treatments, respectively. 21 days post-surgery, our results showed that ovariectomy increases weight gain and urea level in plasma. After 60 days of treatment, OVX showed a gain in weight, high increases in relative kidney weight, plasmatic creatinine, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, and protein oxidation as shown by elevated protein carbonyl (PCO) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels. On the other side, a decrease was detected in catalase activity. Meanwhile, no significant changes in urea level, lipid peroxidation, SOD and GSH activity were detected. Conversely, supplementation with oat reduced weight gain, as well as oxidative stress and oxidation protein in the kidney of OVX mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In our study, we removed the two ovaries of adult female mice in order to eliminate the essential source of steroid hormones. Deficiency in these sexual hormones, especially estrogen, leads to several physiological and morphological disturbances that are found in post-menopausal women. The gain in weight and oxidative kidney damages were the main health problems detected in ovariectomized animals. This work explored for the first time the use of oat grains as a safe natural remedy to treat all previous health problems and to avoid carcinogenic effects of the menopausal hormone therapy. Owing to its health benefits, this cereal species has recently gained attention as an important source of antioxidants and fibers. Thanks to these two components, it can be able to restore all indicated disturbances. Therefore, this cereal can be very useful in the prevention of obesity and kidney oxidative damage occurring during menopause.

Antioxidant and hepato-preventive effect of Citrus aurantium extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and characterisation of its bioactive compounds by HPLC-MS.

The objective of this study is to explore the preventive effects of ethyl acetate fraction from Citrus aurantium leaf extract (EACA), associated with its phytochemical content, against the toxic impacts of acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the liver of adult rats. HPLC analysis of ethyl acetate fraction from extract C. aurantium revealed eight compounds. Administration of a single dose of CCl4 caused hepatoxicity as monitored by an increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and in protein carbonyl level but a decrease in antioxidant markers in the liver tissue. The pre-treatment with EACA; significantly prevented the increased plasma levels of hepatic markers and lipid levels induced by CCl4 in rats. Furthermore, this fraction ameliorated biochemical and histological parameters as compared to CCl4-treated group. Our results suggest that C. aurantium contains promising substances to counteract the CCl4 intoxication and can be efficient in the prevention of hepatotoxicity complications.

Potential protective effects of the edible alga Arthrospira platensis against lead-induced oxidative stress, anemia, kidney injury, and histopathological changes in adult rats.

Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity. This study investigated the possible protective effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis supplementation against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in adult male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal rats (control rats), rats treated with spirulina, rats treated with lead (Pb) (0.344 g/kg body weight), and rats treated with Pb and spirulina. The exposure of rats to Pb for 30 days provoked renal damage with significant increases in hematological parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl content, advanced oxidation protein products, and hydrogen peroxide), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid level in urine. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and levels of nonprotein thiols, plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea decreased. The administration of spirulina to Pb-treated rats significantly improved weight, peripheral blood parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters, renal biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, rats treated with Pb and spirulina had normal kidney histology. These healing effects are likely the result of the high phenol content and significant antioxidant capacity of A. platensis. Our data strongly suggest that spirulina supplementation improves kidney function and plays an important role in the prevention of complications of Pb intoxication.

Antioxidant and nephro-protective effect of Juglans regia vegetable oil against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and its characterization by GC-MS.

Lead (Pb) intoxication remains a major health hazard causing various deleterious effects especially on renal and hematologic system. The current study elucidated the potential protective effect of JRVO against nephrotoxicity induced by lead. Male rats were randomly divided into three groups: group one (control) received ad libitum distilled water and 1 mL of saline solution (0.9 %) given by intra-peritoneal (i.p) injection, group two (Pb) was kept on tap distilled water and animals were i.p, injected daily with lead every two days from day five until day ten, namely the sacrifice day, and group three (Pb+J) was administered by intra-peritoneal injection of Pb with the same dose and same way with Group two, while JRVO extract was administered daily by gavage during ten days. The exposure of lead reduced the number of red and white blood cells. Besides, plasma biomarkers (urea, uric acid, creatinine, LDH and ALP) levels were reduced. Lipid and protein per-oxidations increased and objectified by high TBARS and PCOs levels, while glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities showed a significant decline after ten-day treatment. Conversely, the JRVO prevented kidney biomarker changes by improving hepatotoxicity induced by lead as evidenced by restoring the biochemical markers cited above to near normal levels. Kidney histoarchitecture confirmed the biochemical parameters and the beneficial role of JRVO. It can be concluded that the administration of JRVO alleviates Pb-induced toxicity, thus demonstrating its potent antioxidant efficacy.

Effects of Spirulina platensis on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, and tissue damage in kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes causes free radicals overproduction, which contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy. In modern medicine, no satisfactory therapy is available to cure diabetes mellitus. In that context, we investigated the potential therapeutic action of spirulina-enriched diet on renal impairment and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of alloxan (120 mg·kg-1) in rats. Following alloxan treatment, male Wistar rats were fed daily with 5% spirulina-enriched diet or treated with insulin (0.5 IU·rat-1) for 3 weeks. Diabetes was associated with hyperglycemia, increase in renal oxidative parameters (lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl and advanced oxidation protein products levels, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities), and nephropathology markers. The renal injury induced by alloxan was confirmed by histological study of the diabetic rat kidney. Treatment with spirulina or insulin significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while rats recovered normal kidney histology. Overall, this study indicates that spirulina is efficient in inhibiting hyperglycemia and oxidative stress induced by diabetes, and suggests that the administration of this alga may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications. This amelioration was even more pronounced than that caused by insulin injection.

Cardiopreventive effects of camel milk against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress, biochemical and histological alterations in mice.

The present study was designed to examine the preventive effects of camel milk (CM) against the toxic effects of acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on the heart tissue of mice. Administration of a single dose of CCl4 caused cardio toxicity as monitored by an increase in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), protein carbonyl level and antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione and vitamin C) in the heart tissue. Moreover, CCl4 caused a distinguished rise of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, troponin I, and creatine kinase activities. Furthermore, CM ameliorated biochemical and histological parameters as compared to CCl4-treated group. Overall, this study indicates that CM is efficient in inhibiting oxidative stress induced by CCl4 and suggests that the administration of this milk may be helpful in the prevention of cardio-toxicity complications.

Ameliorative effects of Spirulina platensis against lead-induced nephrotoxicity in newborn rats: Modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes.

Our experimental work was aimed at evaluating the safety and protective effects of dietary spirulina supplementation on the kidney of newborn rats, the offspring of lead contaminated lactating mothers. Female rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (control) was given a normal diet, group II (positive control, S) received a diet enriched with spirulina, group III received only lead through drinking water (Pb), and group IV received both a diet enriched with spirulina and lead contaminated water (S Pb). The treatment of pregnant rats with lead administrated in drinking water, from the 5th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery, induced an increased level of renal lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, hydrogen peroxide and advanced oxidation protein product, a decreased renal content of glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in newborns. A statistically significant increase of renal DNA, mRNA, hematological parameters as well as in plasma urea and creatinine serum levels and lactate dehydrogenase was seen in pups, while those of uric acid declined. Interestingly, these biochemical modifications were accompanied by a significant decrease of lactate dehydrogenase in kidney, plasma alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl-transpeptidase levels, urinary levels of creatinine and urea. Conversely, supplementation of lead-treated mother's with spirulina alleviated hematotoxicity induced by lead as evidenced, by restoring the biochemical markers cited above to near normal levels. Nevertheless, the distorted histoarchitecture in rat kidney attenuated following spirulina supplementation. It can be then concluded that spirulina is an important protective source against kidney impairments.

Effects of vanillin on potassium bromate-induced neurotoxicity in adult mice: impact on behavior, oxidative stress, genes expression, inflammation and fatty acid composition.

CONTEXT: Vanillin is known to possess important antioxidant activity. OBJECTIVE: The current study was conducted to establish the therapeutic efficiency of vanillin against potassium bromate (KBrO3)-induced depression-like behavior and oxidative stress in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mice were exposed during 15 days either to potassium bromate (KBrO3), KBrO3+ vanillin or to only vanillin. RESULTS: Our results revealed a significant modification in the fatty acid composition of the KBrO3-treated mice. In addition, KBrO3 induced a significant reduction in enzymatic activities and gene expressions, Na+ -K+ and Mg2+-ATPases, acetylcholinesterase and butylcholinesterase activities. The gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 and COX2, significantly increased in the cerebrum of KBrO3-treated group. Histopathological observations were consistent with these effects. Co-treatment with vanillin significantly attenuated KBrO3-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. CONCLUSION: This work suggests that vanillin mitigates KBrO3-induced depression, and that this neuroprotective effect proceeds through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, liver damage and dysfunction in alloxan-induced diabetic rat are prevented by Spirulina supplementation.

Medicinal plants have long been used against life-threatening diseases including diabetes, with more or less success. Some of these plants have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, which could help improving diabetes inconveniences. In that context, we investigated the effects of spirulina supplementation on alloxan-induced diabetic rats, hypothesizing that co-administration of spirulina with rat diet could ameliorate diabetes complications and provide as benefits as the common antidiabetic insulin. Following alloxan treatment, male Wistar rats were fed daily with 5% spirulina-enriched diet or treated with insulin (0.5 IU/rat) for 21 days. Both spirulina and insulin treatments of diabetic rats resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose and an increase of glycogen level. Spirulina supplementation also impeded loss of body weight and ameliorated hepatic toxicity indices, i.e. alkaline phosphatases and transaminases activities, bilirubin levels and lipid peroxidation. Besides, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in the serum. Moreover, diabetic rats fed with spirulina exhibited sig changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver (ie, decrease in superoxide dismutase and increase in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities). The beneficial effects of spirulina or insulin were confirmed by histological study of the liver of diabetic rats. Overall, this study indicates that treatment with spirulina decreased hyperglycemia and oxidative stress in diabetic rats, this amelioration being even more pronounced than that provided by insulin injection. Therefore, administration of this alga would be very helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications.

Spirulina or dandelion-enriched diet of mothers alleviates lead-induced damages in brain and cerebellum of newborn rats.

This study was aimed at evaluating the toxic effects of a prenatal exposure to lead acetate on brain tissues of newborn rats, and potent protective effects of spirulina (Arthropira platensis) or dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) added to rat diet. Female rats were given a normal diet (control) or a diet enriched with spirulina or dandelion. Additionally, lead acetate was administered to one half of these rats through drinking water from the 5th day of gestation, to day 14 postpartum. Lead toxicity was assessed by measuring blood lead levels, brain weight, tissue damage, as well as protein content, lipid peroxidation and activities of antioxidant enzymes in brain tissues of neonates. Lead poisoning of mothers caused lead deposition in the brain and cerebellum of newborns and cerebellum tissue damages. Moreover, a significant decrease in weight and protein content of these tissues was found. Oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities in brain tissues were also recorded. Conversely, no such damages or biochemical changes were found in neonates from plant fed lead-poisoned mothers. These results strongly suggest that beneficial effects of spirulina- or dandelion-added diet on lead-intoxicated rats proceeded through the reduction of the lead-induced oxidative stress and related damages.