Grape seed extract prevents azathioprine toxicity in rats

Azathioprine (Aza) is an important drug commonly used in the therapy of autoimmune system disorders. It induces hepatotoxicity and hazard effects that restrict its use. The effects of administration of grape seed extract and folic acid on Aza toxicity by gavage (simultaneously) daily for 4 weeks were studied by determining the changes in some hematological parameters and liver histology. The glutathione level (GSH) and lipid peroxidation content as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver tissue were measured. The repeated intake of Aza (25 mg/kg body weight) induced anemia characterized by decreased erythrocyte and leukocyte counts and reticulocyte and hematocrit percentages, while the prothrombin time was significantly increased. Moreover, Aza caused a significant decrease in phagocytic activity and lymphocyte percentage. Aza induced hepatic damage as indicated by pronounced changes in the histological structure, a significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and MDA content in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, the GSH activity was significantly decreased. Co‐treatment with grape seed extract and Aza minimized the previously mentioned hazard effects of Aza and significantly protected the hepatic tissue by ameliorating the antioxidant activity. Folic acid administration, simultaneously, with Aza only improved the anemia. It may be concluded that grape seed extract is a useful herbal remedy, especially for controlling oxidative damages and is considered as a potent protective agent against Aza hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ginkgo biloba extract reduces naphthalene-induced oxidative damage in mice

This investigation elucidated the role of free radicals in naphthalene-induced toxicity and protection by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb). BALB-c mice of either sex were administered with naphthalene (100 mg/kg; i.p.) for 30 days, along with either saline or EGb (150 mg/kg, orally). At the end of the experiment, following decapitation, lung, liver and kidney tissue samples were taken for histological examination or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen contents. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-beta) and total antioxidant capacity (AOC) were assayed in the plasma, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was assayed in serum samples. The results revealed that naphthalene caused a significant decrease in GSH level, and significant increases in MDA level, MPO activity and collagen content of tissues. Similarly, plasma cytokines, as well as serum LDH activity, were elevated while AOC was decreased in the naphthalene group compared with the control group. On the other hand, EGb treatment reversed all these biochemical indices. The results demonstrate that EGb extract, by balancing the oxidant-antioxidant status and inhibiting the generation of proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil infiltration, protects against naphthalene-induced oxidative organ injury.     

Grape seed extract Vitis vinifera protects against radiation‐induced oxidative damage and metabolic disorders in rats

Whole body exposure to ionizing radiation induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in different tissues provoking oxidative damage, organ dysfunction and metabolic disturbances. The present study was designed to determine the possible protective effect of grape seed extract (GSE), rich in proanthocyanidins against γ‐radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart and pancreas tissues associated with serum metabolic disturbances. Irradiated rats were whole body exposed to 5 Gy γ‐radiation. GSE‐treated irradiated rats received 100 mg GSE/kg/day, by gavage, for 14 days before irradiation. The animals were killed on days 1, 14 and 28 after irradiation. Significant decreases of SOD, CAT and GSH‐Px activities associated with significant increases of TBARS levels were recorded in both tissues after irradiation. GSE administration pre‐irradiation significantly attenuated the radiation‐induced oxidative stress in heart tissues which was substantiated by a significant amelioration of serum LDH, CPK and AST activities. GSE treatment also attenuated the oxidative stress in pancreas tissues which was associated with a significant improvement in radiation‐induced hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that GSE would protect the heart and pancreas tissues from oxidative damage induced by ionizing irradiation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

白芷总香豆素、川芎嗪及配伍应用对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤的影响

[目的]探讨白芷总香豆素、川芎嗪及二者配伍应用对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤的保护作用及机制。[方法]实验分为假手术组、缺血再灌注组、川芎嗪(7.5mg/kg)组、白芷总香豆素组(50mg/kg)、川芎嗪-白芷总香豆素(7.5mg/kg+50 mg/kg)组、尼莫地平(10 mg/kg)组。连续灌胃给药7 d后,采用线栓法建立大鼠大脑中动脉栓塞(MCAO)脑缺血/再灌注损伤模型。缺血2h再灌注22h后进行神经功能缺失症状评分,红四氮唑(TTC)染色法检测脑梗死体积,制备脑组织匀浆测定超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活力和丙二醛(MDA)含量。[结果]与缺血再灌注组相比,川芎嗪、白芷总香豆素及配伍应用能明显改善大鼠受损的神经功能障碍(P0.05),提高SOD的活力(P0.01,P0.05,P0.01),降低MDA的含量(P0.01),川芎嗪-白芷总香豆素组显著缩小梗死体积(P0.05)。[结论]白芷总香豆素、川芎嗪及配伍使用对大鼠脑缺血/再灌注损伤都有明显保护作用,可能与抑制脑组织脂质过氧化反应相关。     

Grape seed extract enhances neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in C57BL/6 mice

The effects of grape seed extract (GSE), a major source of phenolic compounds, were examined on cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation and integration into granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) of middle‐aged (12 month‐old) mice using Ki67, doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry and 5′‐bromo‐2‐deoxyguanosine (BrdU)/calbindin D‐28k (CB) double immunofluorescence study, respectively. GSE (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally for 28 days, and the animals were treated with 50 mg/kg BrdU intraperitoneally on the day of first GSE treatment. In the vehicle‐treated group, Ki67 and DCX immunoreactivity was detected in the subgranular zone of the DG (SZDG). GSE treatment dose‐dependently increased the number of Ki67 and DCX immunoreactive cells, particularly the number of DCX immunoreactive neuroblasts with well‐developed (tertiary) dendrites. GSE also dose‐dependently increased DCX protein levels. In addition, GSE treatment increased significantly the number of BrdU/CB double labeled granule cells. These results suggest that GSE significantly increases cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation and integration into granule cells in the DG, and the consumption of GSE enhances the plasticity of hippocampus in middle‐aged mice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

雷公藤内酯醇对大鼠脑局灶性缺血再灌注脂质过氧化损伤影响的实验研究

 目的 观察雷公藤内酯醇(TL)对大鼠脑局灶性缺血再灌注脂质过氧化损伤影响。方法 预防性给予TL(0.2,0.4mg·kg^-1,腹腔注射)3 d,实验第4天制备大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型后仍同法腹腔注射TL。观察大鼠脑功能的变化及大脑中动脉闭塞侧脑皮质超微结构变化;检测大脑中动脉闭塞侧脑组织超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、脂质过氧化物丙二醛(MDA)水平。结果 与损伤模型组比较,治疗组大鼠脑功能受损程度、大脑中动脉闭塞侧脑皮质电镜下神经细胞变性、坏死损伤程度明显改善;脑组织SOD水平显著升高、MDA水平显著下降。结论 TL对大鼠缺血再灌注脂质过氧化脑损伤有一定的保护作用。其作用机制可能与TL抗氧化作用有关。     

葡萄籽提取物的质量标准

概述了国际市场上葡萄籽提取物的几种质量标准,综合分析了中国葡萄籽提取物各生产厂家的质量标准情况。鉴于国内还没有葡萄籽提取物质量的国家标准或行业标准,笔者根据多年的葡萄籽提取物研究、生产、出口情况,结合相关文献,提出了建立2种规格质量标准的观点:多酚含量大于95%、单体含量大于10%作为高品质葡萄籽提取物的质量标准;原花青素值大于95、单体含量大于6%作为一般品质葡萄籽提取物的质量标准。     

3,4-二氯苯丙烯酰另丁胺抗脂质过氧化作用与对大鼠脑缺血的保护作用

 目的：研究3,4-二氯苯丙烯酰另丁胺（简称AED₈₈₀₁）对大鼠脑缺血／再灌注损伤的作用及探讨其在抗脂质过氧化方面的影响。方法：建立Pulsineli四血管阻断大鼠脑缺血／再灌注模型,通过生化检测手段,对脑组织中与脂质过氧化有关的一些指标进行检测。结果：AED₈₈₀₁能使脑缺血／再灌注大鼠脑组织中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（Se-GSH-Px）活性增加;脑组织及血清中丙二醛（MDA）含量降低;脑组织中肌酸激酶（CK）、乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）活性提高。结论：AED₈₈₀₁对脑缺血／再灌注损伤具有保护作用,其作用机制可能与其具有抗脂质过氧化作用有关。     

银杏叶提取物对大鼠脑缺血的保护作用

 目的观察银杏叶提取物(简称EGb)静脉注射给药后，对不完全性脑缺血大鼠的保护作用，并探讨其抗脂质过氧化作用。方法采用双侧颈总动脉结扎造成大鼠不完全性脑缺血模型；通过生化手段，对脑组织中与脂质过氧化有关的一些指标进行检测。结果EGb可降低脑缺血大鼠的脑梗死区重量、脑含水量，增强脑组织中SOD的活性，减少MDA的含量，并可降低脑毛细血管通透性。结论EGb对实验性大鼠脑缺血具有保护作用，并有抗脂质过氧化的作用。     

黄芩苷元对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的:观察黄芩苷元(Baicalein,Bai)对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用及其机制。方法:结扎大鼠左冠状动脉前降支以制备心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型,比色法检测大鼠血清中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)水平和心肌中LDH、肌酸激酶(CK)含量;放射免疫法测血浆中内皮素(ET)和心钠素(ANP)的含量。结果:与模型组比,Bai能降低血清中LDH、MDA、MPO含量,提高血清中SOD活性;降低血浆中ET含量,提高血浆中ANP水平;增加心肌中LDH、CK含量。结论:Bai对心肌缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用,作用机制可能与其抗氧化、减少心肌酶的漏出等作用有关。     

Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet

Hypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation play complementary role in atherosclerosis. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is rich in natural antioxidants and has a cholesterol‐reducing effect. However, there is no study investigating the effect of ALE on lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in experimental hypercholesterolemic conditions. Rats were fed on 4% (w/w) cholesterol and 1% (w/w) cholic acid supplemented diet for 1 month. ALE (1.5 g/kg/day) was given by gavage during the last 2 weeks. Serum lipid composition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC) levels and plasma antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured. In addition, endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were determined in apo B‐containing lipoproteins (LDL+VLDL fraction). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL‐cholesterol decreased due to ALE treatment in rats fed on HC diet. Significant decreases in serum MDA and DC levels and increases in plasma AOA were detected in serum in ALE‐treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were also lower in LDL+VLDL fraction due to ALE‐treatment in hypercholesterolemic rats. Our results indicate that ALE may be useful for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia‐induced pro‐oxidant state in LDL+VLDL fraction and the reduction of increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

七味红花殊胜散对肝缺血再灌注损伤中caspase-3的影响

目的：研究七味红花殊胜散对肝缺血再灌注损伤过程中caspase-3的影响。方法：在大鼠肝缺血再灌注模型上,观察七味红花殊胜散对缺血再灌注肝损伤引起的一氧化氮（NO）含量的变化;并通过免疫组织化学法研究Caspase-3的表达。结果：七味红花殊胜散可降低Caspase-3的表达（P〈0．05）;N0含量与再灌组比较有明显差异（P〈0．05）。结论：七味红花殊胜散对大鼠急性缺血再灌注肝损伤具有保护作用。     

茶多酚干预内皮细胞损伤作用研究

目的:观察茶多酚对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注诱导内皮细胞损伤的干预作用.方法:在大鼠左冠状动脉前降支结扎致心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型的基础上,观察茶多酚对损伤大鼠血浆中血管性血友病因子(VWF)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及脂质过氧化终产物丙二醛(MDA)、一氧化氮(NO)含量及结构型一氧化氮合酶(cNOS)活力的影响,并观察大鼠组织形态学变化.结果:茶多酚能明显降低血浆MDA含量及VWF活性,提高cNOS 、SOD活力和NO含量,显著减轻内皮细胞的形态学损伤性变化.结论:茶多酚对心肌缺血再灌注损伤内皮细胞有明显保护作用,可能与其通过清除氧自由基的膜脂质过氧化作用、降低血小板粘附、聚集及诱导内皮细胞合成内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)、提高NO含量有关.     

葡萄籽提取物的质量评价

概述了葡萄籽提取物常规品质的各项指标,着重阐述了国内外对葡萄籽提取物中各成分指标的概念及其相应的含量测定方法。     

Effect of grape seed extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-radiation

The present studies were designed to evaluate supplemental grape seed extract (GSE) and vitamin E supplements on lipid peroxidation, on antioxidant systems and peripheral blood lymphocytes in rats exposed to x-rays. Three groups of rats were investigated: a control group (CG) received intraperitoneal (i.p.) physiological serum 1 mL/day (n=10), i.p.; a vitamin E group (VG) received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10); an i.p. grape seed extract group received 50 mg/kg/day (n=10). Four weeks later, a 6 Gy radiation dose was given to the rats. Blood samples were taken 24 h later after irradiation and lymphocyte, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitrate, nitrite, reduced ascorbic acid, retinol, beta-carotene and ceruloplasmin concentrations were analysed. The levels of GSH (p<0.05), retinol (p<0.001), beta-carotene (p<0.05) and ceruloplasmin concentration (p<0.001) in the GSE group were found to be higher than in the control group but the level of MDA (p<0.001) and nitrite concentration (p<0.05) in rats supplemented with GSE were found to be lower than in the control group. The results indicate that GSE enhanced the antioxidant status and decreased the incidence of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation in blood samples of rats exposed to x-radiation. The antioxidant effect of GSE given to animals was more effective than vitamin E administered before whole-body irradiation in rats.     

八味沉香散对脑缺血再灌注损伤模型大鼠的保护作用

目的 探讨八味沉香散对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠的保护作用及其作用机制.方法 取健康SD大鼠90只,按体重采用随机区组法分为6组各15只,即假手术组、模型组(此两组给予等量生理盐水)、尼莫地平组( 10.0 mg/kg)、八味沉香散高剂量组(20.4 g/kg)、八味沉香散中剂量组(10.2 g/kg)、八味沉香散低剂量组(5.6 g/kg).采用颈内动脉线栓法制备大鼠右侧大脑MCAO模型,观察八味沉香散不同剂量组对大鼠行为学、脑含水量、脑梗死面积、SOD、MDA及组织形态学变化的影响.结果 与模型组[(2.72±0.82)分]比较,八味沉香散各组的大鼠的神经行为学评分[高、中、低剂量组分别为(1.53±0.97)分、(1.65±0.97)分、(1.82±1.24)分]均降低,脑水肿减轻,脑梗死面积缩小,脑组织病理形态学改善,SOD活性[(13.66±0.93) U/mg、(12.74±2.49) U/mg、(12.18±5.32) U/mg]提高,MDA含量[(6.14±1.26) nmol/mg、(6.16±1.96) nmol/mg、(6.57±1.38) nmol/mg]减少.结论 八味沉香散高、中剂量组对脑缺血损伤具有明显的保护作用,其机制可能与改善自由基含量、抗脂质过氧化有关.     

川芎提取物对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响

目的观察川芎提取物对大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响。方法将40只大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、川芎小剂量组和川芎组大剂量组各10只,予相应药物灌胃30min后,采用结扎左冠状动脉前降支30 min后再灌注120 min的方法建立大鼠心肌缺血再灌注损伤模型。测定血清丙二醛(MDA)、血清肌酸激酶(CK)、一氧化氮(NO)、一氧化氮合酶(NOS)及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)含量,处死大鼠取心脏组织经TTC染色测定梗死范围并称重左心室质量,记录心电图以评价川芎提取物对心肌缺血再灌注损伤的影响。结果与模型组比较,川芎提取物组血清CK活性、MDA含量明显降低,NO、NOS、SOD含量增加(P0.05),心肌缺血面积明显缩小(P均0.05),心电图中出现ST段异常抬高的导联数(NST)及ST段抬高≥2 mV的总和数(∑ST)和Q波出现的导联数(NQ)均显著减少(P0.05)。结论川芎提取物对心肌缺血再灌注损伤有保护作用。     

Role of Syzygium cumini seed extract in the chemoprevention of in vivo genomic damage and oxidative stress

Ethanopharmacological relevance

The seeds of Syzygium cumini, Skeels (Jamun) are extensively used in India for treatment of diabetes and other ailments.

Aim of the study

The aim of this work was to assess the role of Jamun seed extract (JSE) as a chemoprotective agent against in vivo oxidative stress and genomic damage.

Materials and methods

Experiments were carried out to evaluate in vitro protective effects of JSE against hydroxyl radical induced damage in pBR322 DNA, and in vivo genomic damage and oxidative stress in mice which received JSE orally for 5 days before exposure to genotoxic carcinogens urethane (URE) and 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (DMBA).

Results

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of JSE showed significant protective effects against hydroxyl radical induced strand breaks in pBR322 DNA. The in vivo experiments with aqueous JSE showed significant protective effects against chromosomal damage induced by the genotoxic carcinogens URE and DMBA. Biochemical assays registered significant inhibition of hepatic lipid peroxidation and increase in GSH level and activity of GST, SOD and CAT.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that JSE can possibly play an important role as a chemopreventive agent against oxidative stress and genomic damage.     

Protective effect of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang) on the injury associated with hepatic ischaemia reperfusion

The effect of Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang) on treatment of injury associated with hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion was tested. Vimang protects from the oxidative damage induced by oxygen-based free radicals as shown in several in vitro test systems conducted. The ability of Vimang to reduce liver damage was investigated in rats undergoing right-lobe blood fl ow occlusion for 45 min followed by 45 min of reperfusion. The ischaemia/reperfusion model leads to an increase of transaminase (ALT and AST), membrane lipid peroxidation, tissue neutrophil in filtration, DNA fragmentation, loss of protein -SH groups, cytosolic Ca2+ overload and a decrease of catalase activity. Oral administration of Vimang (50, 110 and 250 mg/kg, b.w.) 7 days before reperfusion, reduced transaminase levels and DNA fragmentation in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.05). Vimang also restored the cytosolic Ca2+ levels and inhibited polymorphonuclear migration at a dose of 250 mg/kg b.w., improved the oxidation of total and non protein sulfhydryl groups and prevented modification in catalase activity, uric acid and lipid peroxidation markers (p < 0.05). These data suggest that Vimang could be a useful new natural drug for preventing oxidative damage during hepatic injury associated with free radical generation.     

Effects of grape seed extract and its ethylacetate/ethanol fraction on blood glucose levels in a model of type 2 diabetes

The present study observed the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) and its ethylacetate (E) and ethylacetate/ethanol (EE) fractions on blood glucose levels in C57BL/KsJ‐lepr^db/lepr^db (db/db) mice at 4–12 weeks of age. In the GSE‐ and EE fraction‐treated db/db group, the blood glucose concentration began to be lower than that in the vehicle‐treated db/db group at 6 weeks after treatment, while the blood glucose concentration in the E fraction‐treated db/db group was similar to that in the vehicle‐treated db/db group. The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level in the vehicle‐treated db/db groups was 9.3%, whereas HbA1c levels in the GSE‐ and EE fraction‐treated db/db group decreased significantly to 5.7% and 6.1%, respectively, at 8 weeks after treatment. However, administration of GSE and its EE fraction did not show any significant effects on body weights and food consumption in db/db mice. These results suggest that GSE and its EE fraction have a potential to decrease the blood glucose and HbA1c level, which is applicable to good healthy foods for reducing blood glucose levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.