Nephroprotective effects of Colpomenia sinuosa (Derbes & Solier) against carbon tetrachloride induced kidney injury in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo establish the protective effect of seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa against carbon tetra chloride (CCl₄) induced oxidative stress and resultant dysfunction of rat kidney.MethodsSeven to eight weeks old male Wistar rats (150–220 g) were exposed to CCl4 (1.5 ml/kg) injection then treated with seaweed Colpomenia sinuosa (100 mg/kg body weight in 0.3% CMC solution). Blood was collected at the 5th day of experimental period to estimate the Total count (TC), Hemoglobin (HB), Total protein (TP), Glucose, Albumin, Cholesterol, TGL and Urea.ResultsThe results shows significantly decreased (P < 0.01) level of TC, the cholesterol and urea levels shows significantly increased (P < 0.05) in CCl₄ treated groups when compared to control groups. These levels were found to be normalized by oral feeding of C. sinuosa. Then the rats were sacrificed and kidneys taken for enzyme analyses and histological examination. In the CCl₄ treated group significantly increased activities in TBARS, SOD, CAT, GPX, GSH (P < 0.05) when compared to control group. These increased activities were found to near normal in the CCl₄ + C. sinuosa treated group and Seaweed C. sinuosa treated alone group did not change any enzyme activity. Exposure to CCl₄ resulted hydrobhic changes in epithelium and Hypercellulartity of glomerulus was seen in the CCl₄ + drug treated group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the nephroprotective effect of C. sinuosa can be attributed to its enhancing effects on antioxidant defense system and lead to prevent the damage by exposure of CCl4 toxicity.     

Isolation and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Melothria heterophylla (Lour.) Cogn. against chemically induced liver injuries in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Melothria heterophylla Lour Cogn. (EEMH) against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats.Methodsβ-sitosterol was isolated by column chromatography and characterized spectroscopically. Two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) of EEMH were administered orally in alternate days. The hepatoprotective activity was studied in liver by measuring biochemical parameters such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein and total bilirubin. Lipid peroxidation product and different antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in liver homogenate.ResultsEEMH reduced all biochemical parameters and lipid peroxidation, as well as it increased the antioxidant enzyme activities in comparison with silymarin. The protective effect of the extract on CCl₄ induced damage was confirmed by histopathological examination of the liver.ConclusionsThis result strongly supports the protective effect of EEMH against acute liver injury, and may be attributed to its antioxidative activity.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0 against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of pentagamavunon-0(PGV-0) against CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats.MethodsThe groups of animals were administered with PGV-0 at the doses 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kgb.w., p.o. once in a day for 6 days and at day 7 the animals were administrated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl) (20%, 2 mL/kgb.w. in liquid paraffin (i.p.). The effect of PGV-0 on serum transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphates (ALP) and total bilirubin were determined in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Further, the effects of PGV-0 on glutathione (GSH) content, catalase (CAT) and NO free radical scavenging activity also were investigated.ResultsThe results demonstrated that PGV-0 significantly reduced the activity of SGPT, serum ALP and total bilirubin in CCl₄induced rat hepatotoxicity. PGV-0 has effect on the antioxidant and free radical defense system. It prevented the depletion level of GSH and decrease activity of CAT in CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats. PGV-0 also demonstrated the free radical scavenger effects on NO free radical scavenging activity with ES value of 32.32μM.ConculsionAll of our findings suggests that PGV-0 could protect the liver cells from CCl₄-induced liver damages and the mechanism may through the antioxidative effect of PGV-0 to prevent the accumulation of free radicals and protect the liver damage.     

Ameliorative effect of Ganoderma lucidum on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of Reishi mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE), on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CO) in rats. METHODS: Rat hepatic fibrosis was induced by CCl4. Forty Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: control, CCl4, and two GLE groups. Except for rats in control group, all rats were administered orally with CCl4 (20%, 0.2 mL/100 g body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. Rats in GLE groups were treated daily with GLE (1 600 or 600 mg/kg) via gastrogavage throughout the whole experimental period. Liver function parameters, such as ALT, AST, albumin, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, spleen weight and hepatic amounts of protein, malondiladehyde (MDA) and hydroxyproline (HP) were determined. Histochemical staining of Sirius red was performed. Expression of transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1), methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT1) 1A and MAT2A mRNA were detected by using RT-PCR. RESULTS: CCU caused liver fibrosis, featuring increase in plasma transaminases, hepatic MDA and HP contents, and spleen weight; and decrease in plasma albumin, A/G ratio and hepatic protein level. Compared with CCU group, GLE (600, 1 600 mg/kg) treatment significantly increased plasma albumin level and A/G ratio (P<0.05) and reduced the hepatic HP content (P<0.01). GLE (1 600 mg/kg) treatment markedly decreased the activities of transaminases (P<0.05), spleen weight (P<0.05) and hepatic MDA content (P<0.05); but increased hepatic protein level (P<0.05). Liver histology in the GLE (1 600 mg/kg)-treated rats was also improved (P<0.01). RT-PCR analysis showed that GLE treatment decreased the expression of TGF-β1(P<0.05-0.001) and changed the expression of MAT1A (P<0.05-0.01) and MAT2A (P<0.05-0.001). CONCLUSION: Oral administration of GLE significantly reduces CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, probably by exerting a protective effect against hepatocellular necrosis by its free-radical scavenging ability.     

Efficacy evaluation of the protein isolated from Peganum harmala seeds as an antioxidant in liver of rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the curative effect of the 132 KD protein isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala (P. harmala) L. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced oxidative stress in rats.MethodsAnimals were post treated intraperitoneally with 132 KD isolated protein at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg body weight and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (8 mg/kg body weight) as well as vitamin C (250 mg/kg body weight p.o.) for 7 d after they challenged with CCl₄ orally (1 mL/kg body weight) in olive oil (50%) for 2 d.ResultsThe purified protein from seeds of P. harmala plant showed in vitro antioxidant activity with DPPH assay. Administration of CCl₄ induced induction in serum aminotransferases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile parameters and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in serum total protein, liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. 132 KD protein treatment of rats post CCl₄ intoxication successfully alleviated the toxic effects of CCl₄.ConclusionsThe isolated protein possessed strong antioxidant activity comparable to that of BSA (negative control) and vitamin C (positive control).     

Hepatoprotective activity of Spillanthes acmella Extracts against CCl4-induced liver toxicity in rats

ObjectiveHepato protective activity of Spillanthes acmella Extracts (70% ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane) were investigated.MethodsHepatoprotective activity was assessed against CCl4 induced liver intoxication.ResultsThe extracts were produced concentration dependent percentage protection in the reduction of enzymes (Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase, Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase, Alkaline phasphatase and Total bilirubin) levels against CCl4 induced liver intoxication in rats. Among all extracts methanol extract showed better activity compare to other extracts with percentage protection of SGOT (84.39%), SGPT (79.04%), ALP (78.15%) and Total bilirubin (80.00%) levels at a dose of 500mg/kg.ConclusionsFrom the results obtained during the present study it could be concluded that Spillanthes acmella extracts has components that have hepato protective effects.     

Restorative effect of Eclipta alba in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats

ObjectiveTo elucidate the restorative effect of the aqueous leaf extract (85%) of the traditional medicinal plant Eclipta alba (E. alba) against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.MethodsRestorative activity was assessed using CCl₄-induced hepatic injury in rats by monitoring biochemical parameters. Biochemical markers of hepatic damage such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were assessed in serum. The oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the levels of thiobarbutric acid reactive substance (TBARS), hydroperoxides, activity levels of enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in hepatic tissue.ResultsCCl₄ and olive oil mixture (1:1 dosage of 1 mL/kg b.w.) induced oxidative stress was indicated by elevated levels of TBARS and hydroperoxides, and augmented levels of serum AST, ALT and ALP. The depleted activity levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPX and GST were found in CCl₄ induced animals. The aqueous leaf extract of E. alba (250 mg/kg b.w.) ameliorated the effects of CCl₄ and returned the alter levels of the biochemical markers near to the normal levels.ConclusionsThe study indicates that aqueous leaf extract of E. alba has potential restorative effect on CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats.     

Mistletoe alkali inhibits peroxidation in rat liver and kidney

AIM: To explore the antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of mistletoe alkali (MA). METHODS: The antioxidant effect of mistletoe alkali on the oxidative stress induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats was investigated. The rats were divided into four groups (n=8): CCl4-treated group (1 mL/kg body weight), MA -treated group (90 mg/kg), CCl4 MA-treated group and normal control group. After 4 wk of treatment, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product (LPO) was measured in serum and homogenates of liver and kidney. Also, the level of glutathione (GSH), and activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in liver and kidney were determined. Scavenging effects on hydroxyl free radicals produced in vitro by Fenton reaction were studied by ESR methods using 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap reagent and H2O2/UV as the OH·source. Urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was determined by competitive ELISA . RESULTS: In CCl4-treated group, the level of LPO in serum of liver and kidney was significantly increased compared to controls. The levels of GSH and enzyme activities of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly decreased in comparison with controls. In CCl4 MA-treated group, the changes in the levels of LPO in serum of liver and kidney were not statistically significant compared to controls. The levels of SOD, GSPx and GR in liver and kidney were significantly increased in comparison with controls. There was a significant difference in urinary excretion of 8-OHdG between the CCl4-treated and MA-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress may be a major mechanism for the toxicity of CCl4 MA has a protective effect against CCl4 toxicity by inhibiting the oxidative damage and stimulating GST activities. Thus, clinical application of MA should be considered in cases with carbon tetrachloride-induced injury.     

Protective effects of Lactuca sativa ethanolic extract on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative damage in rats

Objective

To study the protective effects of the ethanolic extract of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia) leaves against the toxicity caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in reproductive system of rats.

Methods

Lettuce leaves were dried and extracted with ethanol (plant: solvent, 1:10, w/v). The extract was filtered and evaporated to yield dried lettuce extract. Animals were divided into seven groups and treated with CCl₄ and different concentrations of lettuce extract. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected and centrifuged for serum separation. Body weights, testis size, histopathology of testis and liver, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitrite level, and serum hormones were determined.

Results

Oxidative stress induced by CCl₄ (2 mL/kg body weight) in rat decreases the increase in body weight and relative testis weight. It also markedly increases the level of TBARS and nitrites along with corresponding decrease in reduced glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes in testis (i.e., CAT, POD, SOD and GSH-Px). Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone was decreased while estradiol and prolactin were increased during CCl₄ treatment. Histopathology of CCl₄-treated rats indicated the partial degeneration of germ and leydig cells along with deformities in spermatogenesis. Supplementation of lettuce extract (100, 150, 200 mg/kg body weight orally) once a week for 10 weeks results in decrease of TBARS and nitrite, while increase in antioxidant enzymes; CAT, POD, SOD, GSH-Px and GSH contents. Serum level of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, prolactin, histology, body weight and relative testis weight was also concomitantly restored to near normal level by lettuce extract supplementation to CCl₄-intoxicated rat.

Conclusions

The results clearly demonstrate that lettuce extract treatment augments the antioxidants defense mechanism against CCl₄-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it may have a therapeutic role in free radical mediated diseases.     

In vitro study of lovastatin interactions with amiodarone and with carbon tetrachloride in isolated rat hepatocytes

AIM： To investigate the interactions at a metabolic level between Iovastatin, amiodarone and carbon tetrachloride in isolated rat hepatocytes.
METHODS： For cell isolation two-step collagenase liver perfusion was performed. Lovastatin was administered alone in increasing concentrations （1μmol/L, 3μmol/L, 5μmol/L and 10μmol/L） and in combination with CCh （86μmol/L）. The cells were also pretreated with 14μmol/L amiodarone and then the other two compounds were added.
RESULTS： Lovastatin promoted concentration-dependent significant toxicity estimated by decrease in cell viability and GSH level by 45% and 840, respectively, LDH- activity increased by 114% and TBARS content by 90%, CCl4 induced the expected severe damage on the examined parameters, CCh induced toxicity was attenuated after Iovastatin pretreatment, which was expressed in less increased values of LDH activity and TBARS levels, as well as in less decreased cell viability and GSH concentrations, However, the pretreatment of hepatocytes with amiodarone abolished the protective effect of Iovastatin.
CONCLUSION： We suggest that the observed cytoprotective effect was due to interactions between Iovastatin, CCh and amiodarone at a metabolic level.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic flower extract of Nerium oleander against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of flowers of Nerium oleander (MENO–F) was evaluated by various assays, including reducing power, lipid peroxidation, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radicals and metal chelation. The hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant activity of MENO-F were evaluated against CCl₄–induced hepatic damage in rats. The MENO-F at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered orally once daily for seven days. Serum enzymatic levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin were estimated along with estimation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver tissues. Further histopathological examination of the liver sections was carried out to support the induction of hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy.ResultsThe extract showed potent activities on reducing power, lipid peroxide, DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and metal chelation. The substantially elevated serum enzymatic levels of AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin were found to be restored towards normalization significantly by the MENO-F in a dose dependent manner with maximum hepatoprotection at 400 mg/kg dose level. The histopathological observations supported the biochemical evidences of hepatoprotection. Elevated level of SOD and decreased level of MDA further strengthen the hepatoprotective observations.ConclusionsThe results of the present study strongly reveal that MENO-F has potent antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in experimental animals.     

Protective effects of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels leaf extracts on acetaminophen and thioacetamide induced hepatic injuries in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate and compare the hepatoprotective effects of crude ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels (P. acidus) leaves on acetaminophen (APAP) and thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver toxicity in wistar rats. Silymarin was the reference hepatoprotective agent.MethodsIn two different sets of experiments, the P. acidus extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg, body weight) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, body weight) were given orally for 7 days and a single dose of APAP (2 g/kg, per oral) or TAA (100 mg/kg, subcutaneous) were given to rats. The level of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and total protein were monitored to assess hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection.ResultsAPAP or TAA administration caused severe hepatic damage in rats as evident from significant rise in serum AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and concurrent depletion in total serum protein. The P. acidus extracts and silymarin prevented the toxic effects of APAP or TAA on the above serum parameters indicating the hepatoprotective action. The aqueous extract was found to be more potent than the corresponding ethanolic extract against both toxicants. The phenolic and flavonoid content (175.02±4.35 and 74.68±1.28, respectively) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) [IC₅₀ = (33.2±0.31)μg/mL] scavenging potential was found maximum with aqueous extract as compared to ethanolic extract.ConclusionsThe results of present study suggests that the aqueous extract of P. acidus leaves has significant hepatoprotective activity on APAP and TAA induced hepatotoxicity, which might be associate with its high phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant properties.     

Antioxidant,anti-diabetic and renal protective properties of Stevia rebaudiana

BackgroundStevia rebaudiana Bertoni has been used for the treatment of diabetes in, for example, Brazil, although a positive effect on antidiabetic and its complications has not been unequivocally demonstrated. This herb also has numerous therapeutic properties which have been proven safe and effective over hundreds of years. Streptozotocin is a potential source of oxidative stress that induces genotoxicity.ObjectiveWe studied the effects of stevia leaves and its extracted polyphenols and fiber on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. We hypothesize that supplementation of polyphenols extract from stevia to the diet causes a reduction in diabetes and its complications.Design/MethodsEighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups; a standard control diet was supplemented with either stevia whole leaves powder (4.0%) or polyphenols or fiber extracted from stevia separately and fed for one month. Streptozotocin (60 mg/kg body weight, i.p) was injected to the diabetic groups on the 31st day. Several indices were analyzed to assess the modulation of the streptozotocin induced oxidative stress, toxicity and blood glucose levels by stevia.ResultsThe results showed a reduction of blood glucose, ALT and AST, and increment of insulin level in the stevia whole leaves powder and extracted polyphenols fed rats compared to control diabetic group. Its feeding also reduced the MDA concentration in liver and improved its antioxidant status through antioxidant enzymes. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were improved by their feeding. Streptozotocin was also found to induce kidney damage as evidenced by decreased glomerular filtration rate; this change was however alleviated in the stevia leaves and extracted polyphenol fed groups.ConclusionThe results suggested that stevia leaves do have a significant role in alleviating liver and kidney damage in the STZ-diabetic rats besides its hypoglycemic effect. It might be adequate to conclude that stevia leaves could protect rats against streptozotocin induced diabetes, reduce the risk of oxidative stress and ameliorate liver and kidney damage.     

Protective effects of chitosan oligosaccharide and its derivatives against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice.

The protective effects of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), d-glucosamine (GlcNH(2)) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatotoxicity and the possible mechanisms that involved were investigated in male ICR mice. CCl(4) (20mg/kg body weight, i.p.) administration induced marked increase in serum AST and ALT activities, primed liver lipid peroxidation, depleted sulfhydryl content, impaired total antioxidant capabilities and induced genotoxicity 24h after administration. Pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc (1.5g/kg body weight, i.g.) for 12 consecutive days prior to CCl(4) challenge significantly induced metallothionein (MT) expression. Thus, the antioxidant defensive system in the body was strengthened to counteract the oxidative damage induced by the succedent CCl(4) administration. Serum AST and ALT activities were effectively decreased. Hepatic malondialdehyde formation was inhibited and sulfhydryl contents, total antioxidant capabilities were markedly restored. Genotoxicity as reflected by DNA fragmentation, however, was not mitigated by pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc. Histophathologic results of liver also confirmed their hepato-protective effects. Pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc also could significantly decrease serum creatinine and uric acid levels and inhibit lipid peroxidation in kidney homogenate. Our results suggest that pretreatment with COS, GlcNH(2), and GlcNAc can efficiently protect mice against CCl(4)-induced toxicity.     

Rhinacanthus nasutus – Its protective role in oxidative stress and antioxidant status in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo find out the protective action of methanolic extract of Rhinacanthus nasutus (R. nasutus) on lipid peroxidation (LPO) activities and enzymatic antioxidants of liver in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats.MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg) through intraperitoneal injection. The oxidative stress was measured by tissue LPO level and by enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver.ResultsThe raise in LPO levels with reduction in enzymatic activities was the outstanding features observed in diabetic control rats. Administration of R. nasutus (200 mg/kg body weight per day) for 30 days caused a significant reduction in LPO level in STZ induced diabetic rats (group IV) when compared with diabetic control rats (group III). Moreover,R. nasutus treated diabetic rats (group IV) showed significant increase in the activities of enzymatic antioxidants when compared to diabetic control rats (group III).ConclusionThe results obtained specify the ameliorating effects of R. nasutus in the role of oxidative stress created in the experimental diabetic rats.     

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.     

Microcirculatory responses to estradiol benzoate in chronic liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in the rat

Microcirculatory responses to estradiol benzoate (ES) under condition of chronic liver damage induced by long-term administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was investigated in the rat. One hundred and five male rats were divided into the following groups receiving 0.1 mg/100 g body weight ES injected intraperitoneally 5 times per week: controls, exposed to CCl4 alone; rats treated with ES from the fourth week of CCl4 exposure; animals treated with ES from the 11th week of CCl4 exposure. In rats receiving CCl4 alone, liver cirrhosis was induced by 10 consecutive weeks of exposure. Microangiograms of the liver demonstrated conspicuous rarefaction of the vascular tree. On the other hand, animals treated with ES had neither atrophic liver nor rarefaction of the intrahepatic vascular tree. ES produced also intrahepatic neovascular proliferation in the cirrhotic liver. After long-term CCl4 administration, ES treated rats had extremely enlarged nodules with tumor-stain like findings, giving rise to a structure differing from hepatocellular carcinoma which latter generally displays a broom-swept appearance. It is concluded that in providing potent angiogenesis in the liver, ES protects the liver against microcirculatory dearangement and parenchymal damage induced by CCl4.     

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.     

Protection of regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy from carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity in rats: Role of hepatic stimulator substance

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we examined the effect of hepatic stimulator substance (HSS) on modulating hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in the regenerating rat liver. METHODS: Hepatotoxicity was induced in vivo by administering CCl4 to rats that had undergone a 68% partial hepatectomy (PH). In vitro studies were also performed in hepatocytes isolated from PH rats. RESULTS: Hepatic stimulator substance was extracted from regenerating rat liver 96 h after PH and its activity, as determined according to the method of LaBrecque, reached its maximum 96 h after PH. At this time, the mortality induced by CCl4 was significantly decreased in PH rats compared with sham-operated rats (18 vs 59%, P < 0.01). Likewise, changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or bilirubin induced by CCl4 were less in rats after 96 h PH. The resistance of regenerating hepatocytes to CCl4 was retained in in vitro samples. Thus, leakage of intracellular ALT or aspartate aminotransferase induced by CCl4 in hepatocytes from 96 h hepatectomised rats was less than in control hepatocytes. HSS demonstrated a protective effect on hepatocytes against CCl4 both in vivo and in vitro. In additional studies, regenerating liver showed increased mitochondrial respiratory activity and enhanced plasma membrane fluidity. The HSS was also shown to increase hepatic mitochondrial respiratory activity and enhance plasma membrane fluidity. Further, the protective effect induced by HSS was correlated with the restoration of mitochondrial respiratory activity and plasma membrane fluidity induced by CCl4. CONCLUSIONS: Regenerating rat liver exhibits resistance to CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, and the protection afforded by the regenerating state can be attributed, at least in part, to HSS-induced increases in mitochondrial respiratory activity and plasma membrane fluidity.     

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.