Influence of doxycycline administration on rat embryonic development during organogenesis

This experiment was performed to evaluate the possible embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of doxycycline during rat development. Twenty‐one female rats were used and distributed into three groups equally (seven animals/group). The low dose group received doxycycline at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw/day orally from the 6th to 14th day of gestation. The high dose group received 10 mg/kg bw/day orally for the same period, the Control group received 1 mL distilled water orally for the same period. The dams were dissected on the 20th day of gestation and their fetuses were subjected to morphological, skeletal, and histological examination. Moreover, DNA damage analysis of liver cells of pregnant rats and their fetuses or fetal skull was assessed by Comet assay. The obtained results showed a significant decrease in fetal body weight, several morphological anomalies, and severe lack of ossification on the skull bones, phalanges, and sternum bone as well as shortness in the ulna and radius bones. Histological studies of pregnant rats revealed congestion and dilatation of the central vein of the liver lobules and fatty degeneration of the hepatocytes. In addition, 20 day‐fetuses showed a marked increase of necrotic hepatocytes associated with an increased average of megakaryocytes and periportal leukocytic infiltration. Moreover, doxycycline induced a significant increase in the percentage of DNA damage and tail length of examined samples. Conclusively, doxycycline caused certain fetal abnormalities, so it is advisable to avoid using this drug during pregnancy.     

Biological activities of ginger against cadmium-induced renal toxicity

Our aim was to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of ginger extract against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in animal models and to support the use of ginger as anti-renal failure natural remedy. Seventy rats were examined in a 4-week experiment to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight on molecular DNA content, antioxidant status, and renal function in rats intoxicated with cadmium at dose of (5 mg/kg) using biochemical and histological analysis. Renal dysfunction, kidney tissue damage, and oxidative effect were evident in cadmium intoxicated rats as estimated by significant increase in (creatinine, urea), decrease in (creatinine clearance and reabsorption rate of urine albumin), increase in MDA, decrease in total antioxidant status (TAC), reduction in DNA content, and histopathological changes of kidneys’ tissues compared to control rats. Treatment with ginger resulted in significant restoring of renal function biomarkers, TAC, molecular DNA, and histological improvements which occurs via free radical scavenging and regenerative mechanisms. The activity of ginger was supported by estimation of bioactive phenolic and falvinods constituents. Twenty-eight polyphenolic compounds were estimated in ginger extract; [6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol, citral and pyrogallol were the highest amounts in ginger, and supposed to be responsible for its major antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as shown by In vitro DPPH/β-carotene-linolic acid assay tests. Consequently, ginger extracts could have a potent protective effects against nephrotoxicity induced by various toxicants.     

Dietary supplementation of vitamin A, C and E prevents p-dimethylaminoazobenzene induced hepatic DNA damage in rats

The preventive effect of antioxidant vitamins A, C, E and their analogues against DNA damage induced by a hepatocarcinogen p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) was assessed by comet assay. For genotoxicity (DNA damage) study, male albino rats were divided into 11 groups, consisting of four rats each. Group I served as control. Group II to VII received 1, 10, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg per kg body wt of DAB respectively; group VIII to XI received 500 mg/kg body wt of DAB. They were sacrificed by cervical decapitation 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after treatment; livers were excised immediately and subjected to comet assay to measure DNA damage. To study the effect of vitamins, experiments were conducted on a group of 275 rats divided into 3 sets of 25 rats each. First set served as control; second set received 0.06% DAB and third set received 0.06% DAB, along with analogues of vitamins A, C and E. Rats fed with 0.06% DAB were provided water ad libitum for a period of 4 months, followed by a normal (basal) diet for further 2 months. Vitamins A (10,000-50,000 IU), C (75-1000 mg) and E (50-500 mg) and their analogues were given (per kg body wt) to the third set of rats by gavage route once in a week for a period of 6 months. The DAB induced DNA damage only at the highest tested dose of 500 mg/kg body wt. Administration of high doses of vitamin A acid, L-ascorbic acid and vit. E succinate individually prevented the DNA damage. However, administration of a mixture of these vitamins at low doses prevented the DAB-induced DNA damage, which may be due to their synergistic effect. The results indicate that there is a significant advantage in mixed vitamins therapy at low dose over the treatment with individual vitamins.     

Mitochondrial damage, cytotoxicity and apoptosis in iron-potentiated alcoholic liver fibrosis: amelioration by taurine

Taurine effectively prevents ischemia-induced apoptosis in the cardiomyocytes and hypothalamic nuclei. The present study explores the influence of taurine on mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and apoptosis in experimental liver fibrosis. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups and maintained for a period of 60 days as follows: Group I, control; Group II, ethanol treatment [6 g/(kg/day)]; Group III, fibrosis induced by ethanol and iron (0.5% w/w); Group IV, ethanol + iron + taurine (2% w/v); Group V, ethanol + taurine treatment and Group VI, control + taurine treatment. Hepatocytes isolated from ethanol plus iron-treated rats showed decreased cell viability and redox ratio, increased reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. Liver mitochondria showed increased susceptibility to swell, diminished activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and antioxidants. Taurine administration to fibrotic rats restored mitochondrial function, reduced reactive oxygen species formation, prevented DNA damage, and apoptosis. Thus taurine might contribute to the amelioration of the disease process.     

Effect of prenatal exposure of green tea extract on the developing central nervous system of rat fetuses; histological,immune-histochemical and ultrastructural studies

Although, several health benefits were associated with green tea, these effects may be beneficial up to a certain dose. Higher doses of green tea may cause several adverse effects. So, there is a need to test the potential negative effects of green tea during pregnancy. This study was designated to evaluate the effect of prenatal exposure of green tea extract on the development of the central nervous system of 20-day old rat fetuses. The pregnant rats were divided into 4 groups; the control group (received distal water) and the other 3 groups received green tea extract at different doses (200, 600 & 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively) from the 6th to 15th day of gestation i.e., during the organogenesis phase of development. Cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord specimens were subjected to histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure investigations. The body weight of both mothers and fetuses was significantly decreased in the groups that received 600 and 1000 mg green tea extract. Also, the neuronal tissues displayed various signs of degeneration which were evident with the 600 and 1000 mg doses. Green tea extract also increases the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and decreases the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) which were directly proportional with increasing the dose. Administration of green tea extract during rat organogenesis period induced various histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural degenerative changes in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord of 20-day old rat fetuses. These deleterious changes were directly proportional to increasing the green tea extract dose. Thus, it should be stressed that the effect of green tea is dose-dependent and therefore it can be either beneficial or adverse.     

Viscum album prevents haematological changes,electrolyte imbalance,changes in liver function enzymes and histological alterations in some selected tissues in cadmium chloride-intoxicated rats

BackgroundThe use of Viscum album to treat different diseases is popular in the practise of alternative medicine. We investigated the ability of the aqueous extract of V. album to protect against the toxic effects of cadmium.MethodsThirty rats used for the experiment were treated as follows; Group 1 – no cadmium or extract. Group 2–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride. Group 3–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and 200 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 4–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 5–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride with 800 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of V. album. Group 6–10 mg/kg body weight of cadmium chloride and atorvastatin (100 mg/kg body weight).ResultsApart from WBC and platelets, other haematological parameters and electrolytes, urea and creatinine levels were not significantly affected by the administration of cadmium chloride along with the aqueous extract of V. album. Treatment with the extract caused significant decreases in the hepatosomatic index, cardiosomatic index, and increase in renosomatic index of the test rats. It also resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in AST level. Histological report also shows that treatment with the extract restored the normal myocardium and vascular architecture of the heart, normal portal and vascular architecture of the liver and normal glomerular and tubular architecture of the kidney, in the cadmium-intoxicated experimental rats.ConclusionV. album protects against the toxic effects of cadmium chloride.     

Montelukast abrogates prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats: Modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction,oxidative/nitrosative stress,and apoptosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of montelukast (MTK) against prednisolone‐induced hepatic injury in rats. Twenty‐eight male albino rats were categorized into four equal groups. Group I served as the control group; group II: rats orally received prednisolone (5 mg·kg^?1·d^?1) for 30 days; groups III and IV: rats orally received MTK at 10 and 20 mg·kg^?1·d^?1, respectively, simultaneously with prednisolone for 30 days. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated, and the results were confirmed by histopathological examination. MTK showed significant hepatic protection evidenced by alleviated histological lesion and improvement of mitochondrial function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory and apoptotic changes induced by prednisolone, with more profound protection in higher MTK dose (20 mg·kg^?1). In view of these findings, we can conclude that MTK may have hepatoprotective potential, beyond its therapeutic value for asthmatic patients during their course of corticosteroid therapy.     

Overexpression of actin-depolymerizing factor blocks oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced mouse brain microvascular endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of the alcoholic extract of the berries of Crataegus oxyacantha (AEC), a medicinal herb, on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in a rat model. Three groups of Wistar albino rats, each comprising six animals, were selected for this study. Group I rats served as control. Group II rats were given isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously on 59th and 60th days. Group III rats were given AEC (0.5 ml/100 g body weight/day), orally on a daily basis for 60 days, and isoproterenol (85 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously) was given on 59th and 60th days. On the 61st day, the animals were sacrificed, and marker enzymes like lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were estimated in serum. In the heart tissue sample, antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory properties of AEC were determined. Isoproterenol significantly increased the release of LDH, CK in serum, decreased the antioxidant status in the heart along with an increase in lipid peroxidation. Nitritive stress and apoptosis were seen in isoproterenol-induced rat heart. Pre-treatment with the AEC for 60 days had a significant effect on all the above factors and maintained near normal status. The study confirms the protective effect of AEC against isoproterenol-induced inflammation and apoptosis-associated MI in rats.     

The possible protective and therapeutic effects of ginger and cinnamon on the testis and coda epididymis of streptozotocin-induced-diabetic rats: Histological and biochemical studies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels with serious system complications. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) have anti-diabetic activities. The goal of this study is to evaluate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of ginger and Cinnamon against histological, Ki67 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and biochemical studies in testis and coda epididymis of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. The experimental rats were divided into six groups: G1 was the control, G2 induced diabetic without treatment, G3 was treated with ginger before induction of DM (ginger protective), G4 were given ginger after DM induction (ginger therapeutic), G5 were given cinnamon before induction of DM (cinnamon protective) and G6 were given cinnamon after DM induction (cinnamon therapeutic). In diabetic rats’ significant increases in fasting blood sugar and body weight were observed after three weeks. Ginger and cinnamon effectively decreased serum glucose levels. Histopathological evaluations of seminiferous tubules and coda epididymis sections from diabetic rats showed severe damage to them. Furthermore, the sections of seminiferous tubules and coda epididymis rats administered ginger and cinnamon extract showed normal structure, healthy lining epithelium and sperm contents compared to diabetic rats. The results of the study show that both Ginger and Cinnamon aqueous extracts are effective as both hypoglycemic natural supplements that can protect against diabetic-induced testicular damage as well as share in the reservation of the cauda epididymal structure and sperm contents.     

Effect of royal jelly on experimental colitis Induced by acetic acid and alteration of mast cell distribution in the colon of rats

This study investigated the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Twenty adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into four treatment groups of 5 animals each, including a control group (Group I); Group II was treated orally with RJ (150 mg kg(-1) body weight); Group III had acetic acid-induced colitis; and Group IV had acetic acid-induced colitis treated orally with RJ (150 mg kg(-1) body weight) for 4 weeks. Colitis was induced by intracolonic instillation of 4% acetic acid; the control group received physiological saline (10 mL kg(-1)). Colon samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in all groups. Tissues were fixed in 10% formalin neutral buffer solution for 24 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with Mallory’s triple stain and toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min (for Mast Cells). RJ was shown to protect the colonic mucosa against the injurious effect of acetic acid. Colitis (colonic damage) was confirmed histomorphometrically as significant increases in the number of mast cells (MC) and colonic erosions in rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. The RJ treatment significantly decreased the number of MC and reduced the area of colonic erosion in the colon of RJ-treated rats compared with rats with untreated colitis. The results suggest that oral treatment with RJ could be used to treat colitis.     

The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as a potential anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic agent

The effect of an aqueous extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as platelet thromboxane-B(2) and prostaglandin-E(2) production was examined. A raw aqueous extract of ginger was administered daily for a period of 4 weeks, either orally or intraperitoneally (IP) to rats. Fasting blood serum was investigated for thromboxane-B(2), prostaglandin-E(2), cholesterol and triglycerides. A low dose of ginger (50 mg/kg) administered either orally or IP did not produce any significant reduction in the serum thromboxane-B(2) levels when compared to saline-treated animals. However, ginger administered orally caused significant changes in the serum PGE(2) at this dose. High doses of ginger (500 mg/kg) were significantly effective in lowering serum PGE(2) when given either orally or IP. However, TXB(2) levels were significantly lower in rats given 500 mg/kg ginger orally but not IP. A significant reduction in serum cholesterol was observed when a higher dose of ginger (500 mg/kg) was administered. At a low dose of ginger (50 mg/kg), a significant reduction in the serum cholesterol was observed only when ginger was administered IP. No significant changes in serum triglyceride levels were observed upon administration of either the low or high dose of ginger. These results suggest that ginger could be used as an cholesterol-lowering, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory agent.     

Effect of DL-alpha-lipoic acid on cyclophosphamide induced lysosomal changes in oxidative cardiotoxicity

Cyclophosphamide (CP), one of the widely prescribed antineoplastic drugs can cause fatal cardiotoxicity. The present study is aimed at evaluating the cardioprotective role of lipoic acid in CP induced toxicity. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups and treated as follows: Group I served as control, Group II received a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.), Group III received lipoic acid (25 mg/kg b.wt., orally) for 10 days, and Group IV received CP immediately followed by lipoic acid for 10 days. In CP administered rats, the levels of protein carbonyl and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine were increased significantly (P<0.001) indicating oxidative changes in the heart tissue. The activities of lysosomal acid hydrolases, beta-Glu, beta-Gal, NAG, Cat-D and ACP increased significantly (P<0.001) in the serum as well as in the heart tissue after CP administration. An increase in hydroxyproline was observed in CP induced rats. Lipoic acid effectively reverted these abnormal biochemical changes to near normalcy. These observations highlight the protective role of lipoic acid in CP induced cardiotoxicity.     

Effect of isotretinoin (Netlook) on the testis of adult male albino rats and the role of omega 3 supplementation: A histological and biochemical study

Isotretinoin is an oral retinoid which used across the world in the treatment of patients especially adolescents complaining of acne. In spite of the prevalent clinical use of isotretinoin, the generation of oxidative stress with the affection of several organs leads to the limitation and restriction of its use. Omega‐3 (N‐3) is an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) with powerful antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the histological and biochemical changes occurring in the rat testis following isotretinoin intake and to evaluate the role of omega 3 supplementation in ameliorating testicular damage. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided equally into three groups. Group I is the control group, group II received isotretinoin (1.0 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water and group III received isotretinoin (1.0 mg/kg/day) and omega 3 (400 mg/kg/day). Testis samples were collected and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. The blood samples were collected for biochemical assessments. Results indicated that isotretinoin caused histological changes in all stages of spermatogenesis and alterations of the hormonal assay. These changes in the rat testis which were corrected by omega 3 use.     

Effect of Physalis peruviana L. on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

Cadmium (Cd) stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and causes tissue damage. We investigated here the protective effect of Physalis peruviana L. (family Solanaceae) against cadmium-induced testes toxicity in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups (n?=?7). Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 was intraperitoneally injected with 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of cadmium chloride for 5 days. Group 3 was orally treated with 200 mg/kg bwt of methanolic extract of physalis (MEPh). Group 4 was pretreated with MEPh before cadmium for 5 days. Changes in body and testes weights were determined. Oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, and testosterone level were measured. Histopathological changes of testes were examined, and the immunohistochemical staining for the proapoptotic (caspase-3) protein was performed. The injection of cadmium caused a significant decrease in body weight, while a significant increase in testes weight and testes weight index was observed. Pretreatment with MEPh was associated with significant reduction in the toxic effects of Cd as shown by reduced testicular levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and caspase-3 expression and increased glutathione content, and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and testosterone were also increased. Testicular histopathology showed that Cd produced an extensive germ cell apoptosis, and the pretreatment of MEPh in Cd-treated rats significantly reduced Cd-induced testicular damage. On the basis of the above results, it can be hypothesized that P. peruviana L. has a protective effect against cadmium-induced testicular oxidative stress and apoptosis in the rat.     

Prenatal effects of transplacental exposure to ifosfamide in rats

Ifosfamide is an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent that exhibits activity against a wide range of tumors. Exposure to such agent just prior to mating (preconception period) may have adverse effects on developing embryos. I investigated the rate of apoptosis and the histological changes in both placenta and developing fetal tissues after exposure to ifosfamide of young female rats before mating. I clarified the roles of the drug and the placenta in causing fetal developmental toxicity. Rats were divided into four groups: (1) untreated controls, (2) rats administered saline, (3 and 4) rats administered 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg ifosfamide, respectively. After treatment of females with ifosfamide, the treated females were allowed to mate with normal untreated males. All pregnant animals were sacrificed on day 18 of gestation. Treatment with high doses of ifosfamide caused small placentas, fewer viable fetuses, greater post-implantation losses and more resorbed fetuses. Reduced progesterone and increased prolactin levels also were found. Immunohistochemical staining, the TUNEL technique and histological studies showed increased apoptotic cells and many histological changes in the placenta, and in fetal brain, liver and kidney tissues. Ifosfamide treatment increased apoptosis and caused hypoplasia of placental basal and labyrinth zones, which resulted in pathological changes in developing fetal tissue.     

Effects of Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata extract and glucocorticoid on lung maturation in preterm rats.

We investigated the effects of maternal administration of Anoectochilus formosanus extract and dexamethasone on lung maturation in preterm rats. A. formosanus group mothers were tube-fed A. formosanus extract (300 mg/kg body wt./day) for 7 days from days 12-18 of gestation. Dexamethasone group mothers were injected intraperitoneally with dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg body wt.) in saline on day 18 of gestation. Control group mothers were similarly injected with saline alone. On day 19 of gestation, fetuses were delivered by cesarean section. A. formosanus treatment significantly increased the fetal lung/body weight ratio, as compared to dexamethasone treatment. Saturated phosphatidylcholine levels in fetal lung tissue and growth hormone levels in maternal serum were significantly increased in the A. formosanus- and dexamethasone-treated groups as compared to controls. The histological appearance of preterm rat lungs revealed extensive branching of intermediate airways, denser mesenchyme, and more epithelial tubules in the dexamethasone and A. formosanus groups as compared with the control group. These results suggest that antenatal A. formosanus treatment may play a role in accelerating fetal rat lung maturation.     

The effect of monosodium glutamate on the cerebellar cortex of male albino rats and the protective role of vitamin C (histological and immunohistochemical study)

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a natural constituent of many foods and was reported to have neurotoxic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible toxic effect of MSG on histological and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical features of cerebellar cortex of albino rats and to evaluate the possible protective role of vitamin C against this effect. Thirty rats were divided into 3 equal groups. Group I, control; Group II, treated with 3 g/kg/day of MSG and Group III, received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin C simultaneously with MSG. After 14 days, cerebellar tissues were obtained and processed to prepare sections stained with H&E, toluidine blue. The GFAP was detected immunohistochemically. Histological examination of group II showed degenerative changes as pyknotic Purkinje and granule cells with areas of degeneration surrounded by inflammatory cells in granular layer. However, group III showed more preserved histological structure of cerebellar cortex. Statistical analysis of area percent of the GFAP immunoreaction among studied groups showed significant increase in group III when compared with group I and group II. However, a non significant increase was detected in group II when compared with group I. In conclusion, MSG has neurotoxic effect leading to degenerative changes in neurons and astrocytes in cerebellar cortex of albino rats and vitamin C supplementation could protect from these changes. Getting more attention to the constituents of food products is recommended and vitamin C could be advised to protect people from food oxidants additives.     

Strontium-85 in the fetuses of pregnant rats and mice

Pregnant SPF Wistar rats and ICR/Swiss albino mice were injected in the tail vein with 85SrCl2 with 0.05 mM inactive carrier (SrCl2) given in volumes of 0.1 ml. The activity in the injected volume was about 14 MBq per kg of rat and 13 MBq per kg of mouse. The animals were injected at 2 or 13 days of gestation. The activity retained by the fetuses was quantitatively determined at three stages of the fetal intrauterine development: in rats at 14, 16 and 21 days of gestation, in mice at 14, 16 and 20 days of gestation. The activity of fetuses and/or placentas with fetal membranes was measured using a TESLA automatic gamma counter. Results indicate that fetuses of mice retained a significantly (P less than 0.01) greater percent of strontium activity than fetuses of rats. The highest specific activities (the percentage of total activity retained per gram of fetal tissue) were found in the late pregnancy period (at 21 days of gestation in rats and 20 days of gestation in mice) in animals that were injected with the radionuclide at 13 days of gestation.     

Cytoprotective role of DL-α-Lipoic acid in cyclophosphamide induced myocardial toxicity

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a potent antitumor drug is known to cause severe cardiotoxicity. The present study is aimed at evaluating the cardioprotective role of lipoic acid in CP induced toxicity. Male albino rats of Wistar strain were divided into four groups and treated as follows: Group I served as control, Group II received a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg b.wt., i.p.), Group III received lipoic acid (25 mg/kg b.wt., orally) for 10 days, Group IV received CP immediately followed by lipoic acid for 10 days. In CP administered rats, the activities of tissue marker enzymes (creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) were significantly (p<0.001) reduced, ATPases suffered loss in enzyme activity and thiols were depleted. Histopathological observations were also in agreement with the above abnormal changes. Lipoic acid effectively reverted these abnormal biochemical changes and minimized the histopathological lesions in heart. These observations highlight the protective role of lipoic acid in CP induced cardiac injury. (Mol Cell Biochem 276: 39–44, 2005)     

Maternal and developmental toxicity induced by Nanoalumina administration in albino rats and the potential preventive role of the pumpkin seed oil

Although Nanoalumina is widely used in many biomedical applications, its potential toxic effect on pregnant women and developing embryos/fetuses has not been reported. In this investigation, the maternal and developmental toxicity caused by Nanoalumina during gestation and the potential preventive role of the pumpkin seed oil (PSO) were evaluated. Four groups of pregnant rats were orally administered during days 5–19 of gestation as follows: control group, Nanoalumina group (70 mg/kg b.w), PSO- group (4 ml/kg b.w.), and Nanoalumina plus PSO- group. Nanoalumina induced detrimental impacts in pregnancy outcomes, fetal growth retardation, morphological anomalies, hepatic and neural DNA damage, and histopathological changes in hepatic and neural tissues of both mother and fetus, respectively. Furthermore, the level of MDA is significantly increased and activities of GSH and CAT are significantly reduced in both tissues of nanoalumina‐administered rats. PSO co administration improved pregnancy outcomes, fetal growth parameters, DNA damage, antioxidant defenses the histopathological changes of nanoalumina‐gavaged rats and significantly diminished MDA level. Finally, PSO has a preventive role against the detrimental impacts of nanoalumina in dams and fetuses probably via its potential to prevent reactive oxygen species.