Hypoglycemic effect of Costus pictus D. Don on alloxan induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in albino rats

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the effect of aqueous extract of Costus pictus (C. pictus) leaves on blood glucose, lipid profile and liver antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats.MethodsAqueous extract of C. pictus (AECP) leaves was administered orally for 30 days and its effect on blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic marker enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum urea, creatinine, protein and albumin content and liver antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation in alloxan induced diabetic rats were examined.ResultsOral administration of aqueous extract of C. pictus leaves to diabetic rats for 30 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, liver marker enzymes, urea, creatinine and increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes.ConclusionsThe aqueous extract of C. pictus leaves controls the blood glucose level, improves lipid metabolism and prevents diabetic complications associated with lipid peroxidation and also maintains the antioxidant enzymes in experimental diabetic rats. Therefore, it can be recommeded for the prevention of diabetes mellitus.     

Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) methanolic leaves (DIME) extract in alloxan induced diabetic rat by administering oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight).MethodsBlood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with elegance glucometer on weekly intervals till the end of study (i.e. 3 weeks). Other parameters e.g. liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels were determined in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract for 21 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver and kidney) were also observed after extract treatment.ResultsDaily oral administration DIME (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P < 0.001) as well as improving kidney, liver functions and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes. The extract treatment also showed to enhanced serum insulin level and body weight of diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. Furthermore, the extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.ConclusionsD. indica possess antidiabetic property as well improve body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. DIME has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.     

Hypoglycemic activity of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum marker enzymes, liver microsomal P-450 enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Effect of H. indicus extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rat models. The effect of the extract on serum electrolytes, serum levels of key glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. One way analysis of variance and Duncan''s multiple range test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

Oral administration of H. indicus aqueous extract to fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic rats decreased blood glucose level significantly at 5 h and restored serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks of the study period.

CONCLUSION:

From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the roots of H. indicus at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. It restores the concentrations of electrolytes, glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems to near normal level and also corrects the related metabolic alterations in experimentally induced diabetic rats. H. indicus administration also decreased liver and kidney lipid peroxidation products. On the basis of our findings, H. indicus could be used as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Paraoxonase-1 activity,malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the effect of atorvastatin

Background and study aimsThe prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) appears to be increasing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between hepatic antioxidant paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in patients with NAFLD and the effect of atorvastatin.Patients and methodsThis study was conducted on 50 patients with NAFLD and 20 normal subjects matched for age and sex. All of them were subjected to the following investigations: abdominal ultrasonography, serum PON1 activity level, liver function tests, serum lipid profile, fasting and postprandial blood glucose and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GP). NAFLD patients were further randomly classified into two groups (25 patients each), groups Ia and Ib. Only group Ia received atorvastatin 40 mg tablet for 8 months.ResultsObesity, dyslipidaemia and impaired glucose tolerance were prevalent in group I. There was a significant decrease in serum PON1 activity with a significant increase in MDA and GP activity (i.e., there is a significant increase in lipid peroxidation rate) in group I compared with group II. After atorvastatin therapy, there was a significant increase in serum PNO1 activity and significant decrease in serum MDA levels.ConclusionPatients with NAFLD show enhanced oxidative stress which may lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Reduced PON1 activity and increased MDA could be considered a biochemical marker for lipid peroxidation, which require follow-up in patients with NAFLD. Atorvastatin may have a role in prevention of, or delay, the transformation of liver steatosis into NASH.     

Piperine,an active ingredient of black pepper attenuates acetaminophen–induced hepatotoxicity in mice

ObjectiveTo explore the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of piperine against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.MethodsIn mice, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single dose of acetaminophen (900 mg/kg b.w. i.p.). Piperine (25 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) and standard drug silymarin (25 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) were given to mice, 30 min after the single injection of acetaminophen. After 4 h, the mice were decapitated. Activities of liver marker enzymes [(aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] and inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were estimated in serum, while lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase and glutathione) were determined in liver homogenate of control and experimental mice.ResultsAcetaminophen induction (900 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) significantly increased the levels of liver marker enzymes, TNF-α, and lipid peroxidation, and caused the depletion of antioxidant status. Piperine and silymarin treatment to acetaminophen challenged mice resulted in decreased liver marker enzymes activity, TNF-α and lipid peroxidation levels with increase in antioxidant status.ConclusionsThe results clearly demonstrate that piperine shows promising hepatoprotective effect as comparable to standard drug silymarin.     

Effect of Emilia sonchifolia (Linn.)DC on alcohol-induced oxidative stress in pancreas of male albino rats

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of n-hexane extract of Emilia sonchifolia (E. sonchifobia) against ethanol induced pancreatic dysfunction in the young Wistar albino rats.MethodsThe rats were divided into four groups. Control rats in group received distilled water orally, group received oral administration of 20% (w/v) ethanol dissolved in drinking water, group received oral administration of 20% (w/v) ethanol in distilled water+n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight), and group received oral administration of n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight) alone. Liver marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, non-enzymatic antioxidants glutathione and vitamin C were measured and compared.ResultsAdministration of 20% ethanol for 16 weeks significantly increased the liver marker enzymes AST, ALT(P<0.05), reduced the pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione and vitamin C(P<0.05). Histopathological examination showed that the ethanol provoked the oxidative stress which was demonstrated as pancreatic necrosis and oedema. Simultaneous administration of n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia (250 mg/kg body weight) protected the pancreas against the damage induced by ethanol which was confirmed by the histopathological studies and the normalization of biochemical parameters.ConclusionsThus n-hexane extract of E. sonchifolia shows a promise in therapeutic use in alcohol induced oxidative stress.     

Hepatoprotective effect of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract against CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in experimental animals

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Solanum xanthocarpum (Solanaceae) (S. xanthocarpum) in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim.Methods50% ethanolic fruit extract of S. xanthocarpum (SXE, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 14 days in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by CCl₄ administration (1 mL/kg i. p.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Serum alkaline phosphatise (SALP) and total bilirubin. Meanwhile, in vivo antioxidant activities as lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were screened along with histopathological studies.ResultsObtained results demonstrated that the treatment with SXE significantly (P<0.05-<0.001) and dose-dependently prevented chemically induced increase in serum levels of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, SXE significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and catalase towards normal levels. Histopathology of the liver tissue showed that SXE attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis and led to reduction of inflammatory cells inflltration.ConclusionsThe results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SXE against acute liver injury which may be attributed to its hepatoprotective activity, and there by scientifically support its traditional use.     

Oxidative damage and nephrotoxicity induced by prallethrin in rat and the protective effect of Origanum majorana essential oil

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of prallethrin on renal dysfunction biomarkers, antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rats and the protective effect of Origanum majorana essential oil.MethodsRats were divided into four groups of seven rats in each group: (I) received only olive oil, (II) treated with 64.0 mg/kg body weight prallethrin (1/10 LD₅₀) in olive oil via oral route daily for 28 d, (III) treated with 64.0 mg/kg body weight prallethrin (1/10 LD₅₀) and essential oil (160 μL/kg body weight) in olive oil and (IV) received essential oil (160 μL/kg body weight) in olive oil via oral route twice daily for 28 d.ResultsPrallethrin caused significant increase in LPO and decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced. Consistent histological changes were found in the kidney of prallethrin treatment. Co-administration of essential oil attenuated the prallethrin induced renal toxicity and oxidative stress by decreasing LPO in kidney, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in serum. In addition, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione reduced level were increased in kidney in prallethrin-essential oil groups.ConclusionsWe can conclude that prallethrin induced oxidative damage and renal toxicity in male rat. The administration of essential oil provided significant protection against prallethrin-induced oxidative stress, biochemical changes and histopathological damage.     

Therapeutic effects of tender coconut water on oxidative stress in fructose fed insulin resistant hypertensive rats

ObjectiveTo investigate whether tender coconut water (TCW) mitigates oxidative stress in fructose fed hypertensive rats.MethodsMale Sprague Dawley rats were fed with fructose rich diet and treated with TCW (4 mL/100 g of body weight) for 3 subsequent weeks. Systolic blood pressure was measured every three days using the indirect tail cuff method. At the end of the experimental period, plasma glucose and insulin, serum triglycerides and free fatty acids, lipid peroxidation markers (MDA, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes were analyzed in all the groups.ResultsTreatment with TCW significantly lowered the systolic blood pressure and reduced serum triglycerides and free fatty acids. Plasma glucose and insulin levels and lipid peroxidation markers such as MDA, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes were significantly reduced in fructose fed rats treated with TCW. Activities of antioxidant enzymes are up regulated significantly in TCW treated rats. Histopathological analysis of liver showed that TCW treatment reduced the lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration without any significant hepatocellular damage.ConclusionsThe overall results suggest that, TCW treatment could prevent and reverse high blood pressure induced by high fructose diet probably by inhibition of lipid peroxidation, upregulation of antioxidant status and improved insulin sensitivity.     

Chemopreventive effect of bacoside A on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Purpose

Chemoprevention is an effective approach to control hepatocarcinogenesis. Bacoside A, the active constituent of Bacopa monniera Linn., is anticipated to play a role in chemoprevention of liver cancer.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive effect of bacoside A against N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in an animal model.

Results

Administration of carcinogen showed a significant elevation in the levels of lipid peroxidation, serum tumor marker enzymes and liver injury marker enzymes with subsequent decrease in the levels of both hemolysate and liver antioxidant status. Bacoside A co-treatment maintained the N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced alterations at near normal level. Histopathological and electron microscopic study of the liver tissue also supports the above biochemical observations.

Conclusions

From our findings we conclude that bacoside A is effective to prevent DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by quenching lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant status through free radical scavenging mechanism and having potential of protecting endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity.     

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild leaves in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the petroleum Ether, chloroform and methanol extract ofSaraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wild (S. asoca) leaves in mice.MethodsSwiss albino mice were made diabetic by a single dose of streptozotocin (150 mg/kg i.p.). Blood glucose levels and body weights of mice were measured using on weekly intervals i.e. day 0, 7, 14 and 21 after daily administration of all extracts at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Other biochemical parameters such as serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, urea, creatinin and proteins levels were also measured at the end of study. The effects of all extracts were also noticed on vital organs e.g. liver, kidney and pancreas. The antioxidant potential of all extracts was also determined by DPPH and H₂O₂ radical scavenging in vitro methods.ResultsOral administration of the extracts for 21 days caused a significant (P <0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. Among all the extracts, methanol extract showed better results. The body weight of diabetic animals was also improved after daily administration of extracts. All the extracts also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extracts have favorable effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in STZ induced diabetic mice. All the extracts showed significant (P <0.05) antioxidant activity at the dose of 500 µg/ml.ConclusionsS. asoca possesses antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties as well improves body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. It can justify folklore uses of the plant in diabetes.     

Protective Effect of Cornus mas Fruits Extract on Serum Biomarkers in CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Background:

Nowadays attention to use herbs such as cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is increasing, which contains high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins. Cornus mas fruits have been used for gastrointestinal and excretory disorders for many years in traditional medicine, also may improve liver and kidney functions, and have protective effects such as anti-allergic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihistamine and antimalarial properties.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate protective effects of Cornus mas fruits extract on serum biomarkers in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats.

Materials and Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride (1 mL/kg i.p.) in 1:1 dilution with olive oil. To evaluate the effect of Cornus mas fruits extract on disease progression, serum marker enzymes, serum total protein and albumin and liver lipid peroxidation were determined in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity.

Results:

Oral administration of Cornus mas fruits extract to rats for 14 days provided a significant (P < 0.05) hepatoprotection by decreasing elevated serum level of enzymes, total serum protein, albumin and liver lipid peroxidation content.

Conclusions:

Cornus mas fruit extract effect may be due to including some antioxidant components, which caused membrane stabilizing and normalization of fluctuated biochemical profiles induced by CCl₄ exposure. Our results validated the traditional use of Cornus mas in the treatment of liver disorders.     

Protective effect of Sida cordata leaf extract against CCl4 induced acute liver toxicity in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective potential of Sida cordata (Malvaceae) (S. cordata) in experimental rats to validate its traditional claim.MethodsWister albino rats were divided into 6 groups: Group I served as control; Group II served as hepatotoxic (CCl₄ treated) group; Group III, IV and V served as (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) S. cordata leaf extract (SCLE) treated groups; Group VI served as positive control (Silymarin) treated group. Liver marker enzymes serum glutamate oxyloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, pancreatic enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation, catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured and compared along with histopathological studies.ResultsObtained results show that the treatment with SCLE significantly (P<0.05-<0.001) and dose-dependently reduced CCl₄ induced elevated serum level of hepatic enzymes. Furthermore, SCLE significantly (up to P<0.001) reduced the lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue and restored activities of defence antioxidant enzymes GSH, SOD and CAT towards normal levels, which was confirmed by the histopathological studies.ConclusionsThe results of this study strongly indicate the protective effect of SCLE against CCl₄ induced acute liver toxicity in rats and thereby scientifically support its traditional use.     

Aceclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity: An ameliorative effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit and ellagic acid

BACKGROUNDAceclofenac (ACF), a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has been associated with a number of severe cases of clinical hepatotoxicity. Terminalia bellirica, an evergreen tree, is known to have several ethnomedicinal uses including antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Hence T. bellirica fruit extracts and its phytoconstituent ellagic acid (EA) are expected to provide protection against oxidative stress and liver damage produced by long-term use of ACF. AIMTo evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of T. bellirica fruit extracts and EA against ACF-induced toxicity in albino Wistar rats.METHODSThe in vitro antioxidant activities of T. bellirica fruit ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were measured by metal ion chelation and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of T. bellirica extracts (200 mg/kg) and EA (40 mg/kg) in ACF-induced hepatotoxic rats were assessed in serum and liver tissue after oral administration for 21 d. Silymarin (40 mg/kg) was used as a standard control. Oxidative stress markers in the blood (ferric reducing ability of plasma and lipid peroxidation inhibition) and liver tissues (superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde) were analyzed using standard protocols. Liver function markers such as alkaline phosphatase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, total protein, and uric acid were evaluated in rat serum.RESULTSThe T. bellirica fruit ethyl acetate extract exhibited superior metal ion chelating and nitric oxide radical scavenging abilities during in vitro antioxidant assays as compared to aqueous extracts. Oral administration of ACF in rats (15 mg/kg) for 21 d produced oxidative stress and adversely affected liver function suggesting liver injury. Treatment with extracts (ethyl acetate and aqueous), EA and silymarin accounted for a significant reduction in the adverse effects of ACF on oxidative stress and liver function markers in serum and hepatic tissue in rats. Histopathological evaluation of the liver indicated that the extracts and EA significantly decreased the degree of liver damage. The in vivo efficacy of EA was higher than T. bellirica fruit extracts. Of these extracts, ethyl acetate extract revealed comparatively better antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.CONCLUSIONEllagic acid and T. bellirica fruit extracts exhibited considerable hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities in long-term ACF-treated rats.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa L (NS) and Urtica dioica L (UD) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats. METHODS: Fifty-six healthy male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups: A (CCU-only treated), B (CCU+UD treated), C (CCU+NS treated) and D (CCl4+UD+NS treated), each containing 14 animals. All groups received CCU (0.8 mL/kg of body weight, sc, twice a week for 60 d). In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily i.p. injections of 0.2 mL/kg NS or/and 2 mL/kg UD oils for 60 d. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 60 d. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from randomly chosen-seven rats in each treatment group at beginning and on the 60th d of the experiment. RESULTS: The CCl4 treatment for 60 d increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatment (alone or combination) for 60 d decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The weight of rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. CONCLUSION: NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defense system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.     

Hepatoprotective activity of brown alga Padina boergesenii against CCl4 induced oxidative damage in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects of brown alga Padina boergesenii (P. boergeseii) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4) induced oxidative damage and liver fibrosis in rats.MethodsTo assess the hepatic damage liver weight, the activities of TBARS level, glutathione, SOD, CAT and GP x in circulation and liver.ResultsThe group of rats induced with CCl 4 alone (2 mL/kg body weight), showed noticeable increase in the liver weight and TBARS level. Followed by, the level of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, Superoxide dismutase and catalase was also significantly (P <0.01) diminished. Where as, the rats pretreated with P. boergesenii (150 mg/kg body weight) modulated the CCl 4 induced liver fibrosis. The level of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation products was found to be significantly (P <0.01) attenuated to near normal level, when compared with rats induced with CCl 4 alone. In order to assess the role of carotenoids in the relevant activity, total carotenoid content of the extract was analysed and found to be 0.59 mg / g fresh weight (FW). Further, the histopathogical studies provide a supportive evidence for this study to show the protective nature of P. boergesenii.ConclusionsThe protective role of brown alga P. boergesenii extract has confirmed its potential activity through its antioxidant sparing actions against CCl 4 i nduced free radical damage. However, the possible mechanism of hepatoprotection is rather speculative at this stage and investigations are underway to isolate and characterize the bioactive compounds from P. boergesenii.     

Spondias pinnata stem bark extract lessens iron overloaded liver toxicity due to hemosiderosis in Swiss albino mice

The present study was designed to evaluate the ameliorating effect of 70% methanol extract of Spondias pinnata (SPME) on iron overload induced liver injury. Iron overload was induced by intraperitoneal administration of iron-dextran into mice and resulting liver damage was manifested by significant rise in serum enzyme markers (ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin) and reduction in liver antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GST and GSH). Hepatic iron, serum ferritin, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and hydroxyproline contents were measured in response to the oral administration of SPME of different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). In order to determine the efficiency as iron chelating drug, the release of iron from ferritin by SPME was further studied. Enhanced levels of antioxidant enzymes were detected in SPME treated mice. SPME produced a dose dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, liver fibrosis; and levels of serum enzyme markers and ferritin were also reduced dose dependently. The liver iron content was also found to be less in SPME treated group compared to control group. The reductive release of ferritin iron was augmented significantly after dose dependent addition of SPME. The ameliorating effect of SPME on damaged liver was furthermore supported by the histopathological studies that showed improved histological appearances. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate the hepatoprotective efficiency of SPME in iron intoxicated mice, and hence possibly useful as iron chelating drug for iron overload diseases.     

Melatonin administration differentially affects age-induced alterations in daily rhythms of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in male rat liver

A central clock/pacemaker, suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus coordinates and entrains circadian oscillations in the peripheral tissues such as the liver, kidney, heart, lungs etc. called peripheral clocks. These also have endogenous circadian oscillations. The circadian rhythms of antioxidants present in cytosol signify redox state of the cell during day/night cycle. The liver has a major impact on homeostasis through its control on serum protein composition and plays a pivotal role in the metabolism of nutrients, drugs, hormones, and metabolic waste products and undergoes substantial changes in structure and function upon aging. In present study, the temporal patterns of oxidative stress indicators in liver were studied. Daily rhythms of lipid peroxidation end products, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were studied in liver at variable time points (Zeitgeber Time (ZT) 0, 6, 12 and 18) in three age groups: 3 (adult), 12 and 24?months old male Wistar rats. There was increase in oxidative stress in 12 and 24?months old rats indicated through a significant increase in lipid peroxidation, decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio and antioxidant enzyme activities. In 3?months old rats, lipid peroxidation was maximum at ZT-12 whereas GSH, SOD and CAT activities were minimum at ZT-12. The maximum level in 24?h i.e., acrophases of lipid peroxidation, GPx, SOD and CAT activities in liver cell free extracts altered upon aging. As melatonin, messenger of darkness, an endogenous synchronizer of rhythm, an antioxidant and an antiaging drug, declines with aging we studied the effects of melatonin on activities of these antioxidant enzymes in aging rats. Melatonin administration resulted in differential restoration of acrophases, amplitude, mean as well as daily rhythms of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in liver of 12 and 24?months old rats.     

Fenofibrate impairs liver function and structure more pronounced in old than young rats

IntroductionSince old animals are known to accumulate lipids in some organs, we compared effects of fenofibrate (FN) on systemic lipid metabolism, activity of liver marker enzymes and structure in young and old rats.Material and methodsYoung and old rats were fed chow supplemented with 0.1 % or 0.5 % FN. After 30 days, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, and blood and liver samples were collected.ResultsIn young rats, 0.1 % FN, but not 0.5 % FN, decreased serum Chol by 74 %, and did not affect TG levels at either doses. In old rats, 0.5 % FN, but not 0.1 % FN, decreased Chol and TG level by 56 % and 49 %, respectively. In young rats, 0.1 % and 0.5 % FN increased serum activity of ALP by 227 % and 260 %, respectively, and did not affect AST and ALT activities. In old rats, only 0.5 % FN increased serum ALP activity by 150 %, respectively. In old rats, neither dose of FN affected serum AST activity, and only 0.5 % FN increased serum ALT activity by 200 %. The histological examination of liver structure revealed that both doses of FN impaired lobular architecture, expansion of bile canaliculi, and degeneration of parenchymal cells with the presence of cells containing fat droplets; administration of FN increased area occupied by collagen fibers.ConclusionsAlthough 0.5 % FN decreased serum Chol concentration, it increased serum ALP activity and impaired liver structure in both in both age groups of rats. Thus, FN treatment should be under the control of liver function, especially in older patients.     

Investigation of in vivo antioxidant activity of Euphorbia helioscopia latex and leaves methanol extract: a target against oxidative stress induced toxicity

ObjectiveTo evaluate in vivo antioxidant activity of latex and leaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia using mice as experimental animals.MethodsThe plant was collected, identified, dried under shade, ground to fine powder and extraction was done. Latex was collected in dried bottles by cutting the stem. Oxidative stress was induced in mice with acute toxic dose of paracetamol administered intrperitoneally. Latex and leaves methanol extract (600 and 1 200 mg/kg) orally, once a day, were given to mice for two weeks. Then oxidative stress biomarkers were measured in tissue homogenates and serum.ResultsLeaves methanol extract exhibited prominent in vivo antioxidant effect as compared to latex. Results showed significant rise in antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione) levels at 1 200 mg/kg dose of extract. Thus, extract helped to detoxify the free radicles by increasing antioxidant enzymes levels. Malondialdehyde value decreased significantly with extract (1 200 mg/kg) which was indicator of extract's power to inhibit the generation of free radicals. Extract (1 200 mg/kg) exhibited maximum cure against stress induced changes in liver, kidney, lipid profile parameters and complete blood count.ConclusionsLeaves methanol extract of Euphorbia helioscopia raised antioxidant enzymes levels in mice. It showed hepatorenal-curative effect, hypolipidemic effect and hemostasis potential. Thus, it can help the biological systems to fight against stress induced pathological conditions.