Protection against Radiation‐induced Testicular Damage in Swiss Albino Mice by Mentha piperita (Linn.)

Abstract: The protective effects of Mentha piperita leaf extract against radiation‐induced damage in testis of Swiss albino mice have been studied. Animals (Male Swiss albino mice) were given M. piperita leaf extract orally (1 g/kg body weight/day) for three consecutive days before radiation exposure (8 Gy γ‐radiation). Mice were autopsied at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after irradiation to evaluate the radiomodulatory effect in terms of histological alterations, lipid peroxidation, and acid and alkaline phosphatases levels in testis. Radiation treatment showed reduction in the testis weight during all days of observation, however, in the M. piperita leaf extract‐pretreated irradiated group there was a significant increase in testis weight. Radiation treatment induced moderate to severe testicular atrophy with degeneration of germ cells in seminiferous tubules. The tubules were shrunken and greatly depleted of germ cells. Sertoli cells with few germ cells were observed in the lumen. However, animals pre‐treated with M. piperita leaf extract and exposed to radiation showed normal testicular morphology with regular arrangement of germ cells and slight degeneration of seminiferous epithelium. Significant decreases in the lipid peroxidation and acid phosphatase level and increase in level of alkaline phosphatase were observed in testis. The M. piperita leaf extract showed high amount of phenolic content, flavonoids content and flavonols. The results of the present study suggest that M. piperita has a significant radioprotective effect and the amount of phenolic compounds, the content of flavonoids and flavonols of M. piperita leaf extract may be held responsible for radioprotective effect due to their antioxidant and radical scavenging activity.     

Modification of mercury-induced biochemical alterations in blood of Swiss albino mice by Spirulina fusiformis

The present investigation has been undertaken to evaluate the role of Spirulina fusiformis in modifying the mercury-induced biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into four groups: (i) control group - only vehicle (0.9% NaCl/olive oil) was given; (ii) HgCl(2) treated group - 5.0mg/kg b.w. HgCl(2) administered as i.p.; (iii) Spirulina treated group - 800mg/kg b.w. Spirulina extract was administered orally; (iv) combination group -S. fusiformis was administered 10 days before mercuric chloride administration and continued up to 30 days after mercuric chloride administration (5.0mg/kg b.w.). The animals were sacrificed on 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 days and the activity of serum alkaline and acid phosphatase, serum iron level, serum calcium level, blood lipid peroxidation content and blood glutathione (GSH) level were measured. In the present investigation, mercury intoxication causes significant increase (P<0.001) in calcium level, acid phosphatase and lipid peroxidation content and significant decrease in iron level, alkaline phosphatase and glutathione level. Spirulina pre- and post-treatment with mercury prevented or reduces mercury-induced alterations in terms of calcium level, iron level, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in serum, and lipid peroxidation and GSH level in blood. Thus from the present investigation, it can be concluded that Spirulina pre- and post-treatment with HgCl(2) significantly modulate or modify mercury-induced biochemical alteration in blood of Swiss albino mice.     

Protective effect of Mentha piperita against arsenic-induced toxicity in liver of Swiss albino mice

The protective role of leaves of Mentha piperita Linn (Mint) was studied in adult Swiss albino mice against arsenic-induced hepatopathy. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I: only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered. Group II: the animals received Mentha leaf extract (1 g/kg body weight per day) orally for 30 days. Group III: animals were treated with sodium arsenite (4 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally in 0.9% NaCl. Group IV: animals were given Mentha extract for 10 consecutive days prior to sodium arsenite treatment and continuously for 30 days after sodium arsenite treatment. The animals from the above groups were killed at various time-points, and body weight and liver weight were measured. The biochemical estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) in serum were done. In the arsenic-treated group there was a significant increase in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content, whereas a significant decrease was recorded in body weight, liver weight, GSH and LDH activity in liver. Pre- and post-treatment of Mentha with arsenic significantly alters the biochemical parameters in liver. A significant decline in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content was observed. However, a significant increase in body weight, liver weight, GSH content and LDH activity in liver was estimated. The results indicate that the Mentha extract may be useful in reducing the side effects of arsenic-induced hepatopathy.     

Protection against mercury-induced renal damage in Swiss albino mice by Ocimum sanctum

Mercury is being widely used in the industry, medical, agriculture and other fields. However, mercury deposition affects the nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and renal systems, as well as the embryo. In most animals' species, including man, the kidney is one of the main sites of deposition of inorganic mercury and target organ for its toxicity. The present investigation reports protection against mercury-induced toxicity by Ocimum sanctum (a traditional sacred medicinal plant, family: Labiatae). Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups. (i) Control group-only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was given (ii) HgCl(2)-treated group-5.0mg/kg b.w. HgCl(2) administered as i.p. (iii) Ocimum treated group-10mg/kg b.w. Ocimum leaves extract was administered orally. (iv) Combination group-Ocimum leaves extract was administered 10 days prior to mercuric chloride administration and continued upto 30 days after mercuric chloride administration (5.0mg/kg b.w.). The animals were autopsied on day 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 after treatment. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in kidney homogenates. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in LPO content, ACP activity and decrease in LDH and ALP activity after HgCl(2) treatment. The animals treated with Ocimum alone did not show any significant alterations in ACP and ALP activity. However, a significant increase in LDH activity and decrease in LPO level was observed. In combined treatment of Ocimum with HgCl(2), a significant decrease in LPO content and ACP and elevation in LDH and ALP activity was observed as compared to HgCl(2)-treated group. Ocimum extract is also effective in reducing the pathological alterations in the kidney. Thus, the results from the present study suggest that pre-and post-treatment of Ocimum sanctum leaves extract can significantly protect the renal damage against mercuric chloride-induced toxicity.     

Ferulic acid, a dietary phenolic acid, modulates radiation effects in Swiss albino mice

The radioprotective efficacy of Ferulic acid (FA) against whole body gamma radiation was studied in Swiss albino mice. To study the radiation protection, mice were administered with ferulic acid intraperitoneally (i.p) (50mg/kg body weight.), once daily for five consecutive days. One hour after the last administration of ferulic acid on the sixth day, animals were whole body exposed to 8Gy gamma radiations. Effect of ferulic acid pretreatment on radiation-induced changes in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation status in spleen, liver and intestine was analyzed. A significant increase in the antioxidant enzymatic status and decreased lipid peroxidation marker levels were observed in ferulic acid pretreated group, when compared to the irradiated animals. Our study also shows increased % tail DNA, tail length, tail moment and Olive tail moment in irradiated mice blood lymphocytes. Ferulic acid (50mg/kg body weight) pretreatment significantly decreased the % tail DNA, tail length, tail moment and Olive tail moment in irradiated mice lymphocytes. The histological observations indicated a decline in the villus height and crypt number with an increase in goblet and dead cell population in the irradiated group, which was normalized by ferulic acid pretreatment. In conclusion, present study indicated ferulic acid treatment prevents radiation-induced lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and restored antioxidant status and histopathological changes in experimental animals.     

Protective role of Vernonia cinerea L. against gamma radiation--induced immunosupression and oxidative stress in mice

The radioprotective effect of Vernonia cinerea extract was studied in balb/c mice. Whole-body irradiation of γ-rays (6 Gy) given to animals reduced the white blood cell count, bone marrow cellularity and α-esterase positive cells in control animals, which were elevated by the administration of V. cinerea extract (20 mg/kg body weight [b.wt.], intraperitoneally [i.p.]). The elevated levels of serum enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transferases (GPT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) after irradiation were also reduced with V. cineria extract administration. V. cinerea treatment also significantly enhanced the animal's antioxidant status by enhancing the activities superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in irradiated animals. Histopathological analysis of liver and small intestine also suggests that V. cinerea could reduce the tissue damages induced by radiation. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) elevated after irradiation, which were significantly reduced by V. cinerea extract administration. On the other hand, the extract stimulated the production of other cytokines such as granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in animals exposed to radiation. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA isolated from bone marrow of control animals showed heavy DNA damage, but a reduced DNA damage was seen in animals treated with V. cinerea extract. Administration of V. cinerea did not compromise the anti-neoplastic efficiency of radiation. In fact, there was a synergistic action of radiation and V. cinerea in reducing the solid tumours in mice. Methanolic extract of V. cinerea given i.p. showed a significant radioprotective activity without compromising the radiotherapeutic efficacy of radiation, indicating its possible use as an adjuvant during radiotherapy.     

Role of Panax ginseng as an antioxidant after cadmium-induced hepatic injuries

Liver, being primary site for biotransformation of foreign compounds is vulnerable to various chemical assaults. Ginseng has a wide range of pharmacological and therapeutical action. In the present study an attempt has been made to study the cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) induced toxicity in liver and its possible protection by Panax ginseng. Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups: (i) Control group – only vehicle (double distilled water) (ii) Ginseng treated group – 10 mg/kg b.wt. orally (iii) CdCl₂ treated group – 1.0 mg/kg b.wt. CdCl₂ i.p. (iv) Combination group – Ginseng root extract (10 mg/kg b.wt.) and CdCl₂ (1.0 mg/kg b.wt.). Activities of alkaline phosphatase, GOT, GPT were measured in serum and lipid peroxidation (LPO) and GSH content were measured in liver. The results indicated a significant increase in LPO, GOT, GPT activities and decrease in GSH and serum alkaline phosphatase activities after CdCl₂ treatment. Ginseng alone did not show any significant alterations except a significant decrease in LPO level. Combined treatment of Ginseng and CdCl₂ showed significant decrease in LPO, GOT, GPT and elevation in GSH and serum alkaline phosphatase as compared to CdCl₂ treated group. Thus, Ginseng is found to be protective against cadmium-induced hepatic injuries.     

In vivo prevention of bladder urotoxicity: purified hydroxytyrosol ameliorates urotoxic effects of cyclophosphamide and buthionine sulfoximine in mice

Urotoxicity is a troublesome complication associated with cyclophosphamide (CP) and L-buthionine-SR-sulfoximine (BSO) treatment in chemotherapy. With this concern in mind, the present study investigated the potential effects of a hydroxytyrosol extract from olive mill waste (OMW) on urotoxicity induced by acute CP and BSO doses using a Swiss albino mouse model. Toxicity modulation was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidants in urinary bladder. The findings revealed that the hydroxytyrosol extract exerted a protective effect not only on LPO but also on enzymatic antioxidants. When compared to the controls, the CP-treated animals underwent significant decreases in the glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GP), and catalase (CAT) activities. The level of glutathione (GSH) was also reduced with increased doses of LPO in the CP-treated animals. L-Buthionine-SR-sulfoximine treatment exerted an additive toxic effect on the CP-treated animals. Interestingly, pretreatment with the hydroxytyrosol extract restored the activities of all enzymes back to normal levels and exhibited an overall protective effect on the CP- and BSO-induced toxicities in urinary bladder. The restoration of GSH through the treatment with the hydroxytyrosol extract can play an important role in reversing CP-induced apoptosis and free radical-mediated LPO.     

Antioxidant potential of thyme extract: alleviation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced oxidative stress

Protective role of thyme extract against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced oxidative stress has been evaluated in albino rats. For this, one group of rats were fed diet supplemented with thyme extract (0.5%) and served as the test group, whereas animals of the other group fed on normal diet served as the control group. The rats were fed on respective diets for a period of 2 weeks after which stress was induced to half the animals of each group by i.p. administration of NDEA at 200 mg/kg body weight. Animals were killed 48 h post stress-induction period. Feed intake and body weight decreased significantly in both test and control groups, the effect being less in test group. Increase in osmotic fragility and in-vitro lipid peroxidation (LPO) on stress induction was of lower degree in the test group. NDEA toxicity was mainly reflected in liver as evidenced by increased activities of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. The effect was of lower degree in test group as compared with that in the control group. Increase in urea levels observed following NDEA administration was also of lower degree in test groups. Blood glutathione (GSH) levels increased more so in test group compared with control group on stress induction. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (Px), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased significantly on stress induction in erythrocytes. LPO increased in all the tissues through varying degree, and the increase was appreciably of lower degree in test group. The activity of SOD increased significantly in both test and control group on stress induction, whereas activities of Px and CAT decreased following NDEA treatment, and the effects were of lower degree in test group. Thus, supplementation of diet with thyme extract can improve antioxygenic potential and hence help to prevent oxidative stress.     

Cardio-protective role of Terminalia arjuna bark extract is possibly mediated through alterations in thyroid hormones

Terminalia arjuna bark extract is believed to exhibit cardio-protective effects. In the present study we investigated the possible involvement of thyroid hormones in the amelioration of cardiac and hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) by a bark extract of the plant in albino rats. While L-thyroxine (L-T4) treatment increased the level of thyroid hormones, heart/body weight ratio as well as cardiac and hepatic lipid peroxidation, simultaneous administration of 21.42 and 42.84 mg/kg of the plant extract decreased the level of thyroid hormones and also the cardiac LPO, suggesting the possible mediation of the drug action through an inhibition in thyroid function. These effects were comparable to a standard antithyroid drug, propyl thiouracil (PTU). When the drug was administered to euthyroid animals, serum concentrations of thyroid hormones were decreased, whereas the hepatic LPO increased indicating a drug induced toxicity in euthyroid subjects. Although a suboptimal dose of the drug was found to be non-toxic to the liver, it appeared to be of no use, as it could neither affect the thyroid functions nor the cardiac lipid peroxidation. Since in euthyroid animals, thyroid hormones were decreased and hepatic LPO was increased, it is suggested that high amounts of this plant extract should not be consumed, as hepatotoxicity as well as hypothyroidism may be caused.     

Intake of saffron reduces γ-radiation-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

Saffron (SAF), the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus, is commonly used for flavoring and coloring food. Studies on bioactivity of SAF have demonstrated its in vivo antioxidant activity. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of SAF intake on γ-radiation (RAD) induced (a) chromosomal damage, (b) oxidative stress in liver and brain, and (c) histopathological effects in the intestinal cells and male germ cells in mice. Freeze-dried aqueous extract of SAF was used for the experiments. Our preliminary cell-free DNA nicking assay using pBR322 DNA revealed protective effects of freeze-dried SAF extract against hydroxyl radical induced DNA damage. For the in vivo investigations, freeze-dried SAF extract in distilled water was administered by gavage (40?mg/kg b.w.) to male Swiss albino mice for six consecutive days. On the sixth day, the animals were exposed to RAD (1 or 2?Gy) and sacrificed 24?h later to collect bone marrow cells for assessing chromosomal damage by measuring micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs). Liver and brain samples from animals exposed to 2?Gy RAD were used for evaluating lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes. The testis and intestine were used for histopathological analysis. Our results demonstrated significant protective effects of SAF against RAD-induced genotoxic damage. SAF pretreatment reduced the level of lipid peroxidation with concomitant increase in glutathione content and activity of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The histopathological analysis showed minimal impact of SAF on RAD-induced damage in the intestinal cells and male germ cells.     

Combined effects of niacin and chromium treatment on heart of hyperlipidemic rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the combination of niacin and chromium(III)-chloride on heart glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, serum paraoxonase (PON), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and protein carbonyl contents (PCC) of hyperlipidemic rats. In this study, female Swiss albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups. The animals of the first group (group I) were fed with pellet chow. The rats (group II) were fed with a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid and 20% sunflower oil added to the pellet chow, and given 3% alcoholic water for 60 days. The rats (group III) were fed with the same lipogenic diet and treated by gavage technique with CrCl(3) 6H(2)O to a dose of 250 μg/kg and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days, 15 days after experimental animals were done hyperlipidemic. Group IV was fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 μg/kg CrCl(3) 6H(2)O and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days. On the 60th day, the heart tissue and blood samples were taken from animals. As a result, heart LPO, serum GGT activity and serum PCC were increased; serum PON activity and heart GSH levels were decreased in hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with combined niacin and chromium reversed these effects. In conclusion, the combined treatment with niacin and chromium might induce a protective effect on heart tissue.     

The effect of combined treatment with niacin and chromium (III) chloride on the different tissues of hyperlipemic rats

We investigated the effects of a combined treatment with chromium (Cr) and niacin on the spleen, tongue, and lens tissues in terms of lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), serum catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum cholesterol, and total lipid levels in normal and hyperlipemic rats. In this study, female 1-year-old Swiss albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I rats (control) were fed with standard pellet chow. Group II rats were fed a lipogenic diet in which 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid, and 20% sunflower oil were added and were given 3% alcoholic water for 60 days. Group III rats were fed with the same lipogenic diet and were treated with a dose of 250 microg/kg body weight CrCI3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg body weight niacin, for 45 days, by gavage. The rats in group IV were fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 microg/kg body weight CrCI3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg body weight niacin, by gavage, for 45 days. After 2 weeks, the animals showed symptoms of hyperlipemia. On the 60th day, tissue and blood samples were taken. We have observed decreased CAT activity and GSH levels, increased LDH activity, cholesterol, total lipid, and LPO levels in hyperlipemic rats. Niacin and Cr administration to hyperlipemic rats increased tissue GSH levels and CAT activity and decreased tissue LPO levels and LDH activity, cholesterol, and total lipid levels compared with hyperlipemic rats. We conclude that the administration of a combination of niacin and chromium has a protective effect against oxidative damage to tongue, lens, and spleen tissues as a result of hyperlipemia.     

人参出苗期几种水解酶的活力变化

目的研究五年生人参几种水解酶在出苗期的活力变化。方法采用中性磷酸缓冲溶液提取粗酶液。应用紫外分光光度法分别测定淀粉酶（AMY）、酯酶（Est）、酸性磷酸酯酶（ACP）、碱性磷酸酯酶（ALP）和植酸酶的活力。结果人参根部Est、ACP和ALP活力都是先增加后下降再增加;幼苗Est活力在出苗期前7 d增加较快之后无明显变化,ACP活力在出苗期第10天出现一个峰值,ALP活力始终保持上升趋势;人参根部AMY和植酸酶活力变化趋势相似,在出苗期第4至13天活力迅速增加,之后下降;而在幼苗中两种酶的变化趋势完全相反。结论在出苗期,人参5种水解酶活力变化曲线有所差异,这可作为人参出苗期幼苗形态不同阶段的生理指标。     

Melatonin ameliorates bisphenol A-induced biochemical toxicity in testicular mitochondria of mouse

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a monomer of polycarbonate plastic used to manufacture plastic baby bottles and lining of food cans. It has endocrine-disrupting potential and exerts both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. We studied BPA-induced perturbation of mitochondrial marker enzymes in testes of Swiss albino mice and its amelioration by melatonin. Mice exposed to standardized dose of BPA (10 mg/kg body weight) orally for 14 days showed decrease in activities of marker mitochondrial enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, monoamine oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase. Besides, it also affected activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. BPA also caused lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) content of mitochondria. Concomitant melatonin administration (10 mg/kg body weight; intraperitoneally for 14 days) lowered mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. It also restored the activity of mitochondrial marker enzymes and ameliorated decreased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants of mitochondria. These results demonstrate that melatonin has a potential role in ameliorating BPA-induced mitochondrial toxicity and the protection is due to its antioxidant property or by the direct free radical scavenging activity.     

Emblica officinalis aqueous extract ameliorates ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice

The present study was undertaken to assess the ameliorative effect of Emblica officinalis aqueous extract on ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 50 and 100 microg of ochratoxin (Groups 4, 5) in 0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day for 45 days. The results revealed a significant increase in LPO (lipid peroxidation) in the testis of mice treated with ochratoxin compared to that of vehicle control (Group 2). The levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: GSH (glutathione) and TAA (total ascorbic acid) as well as enzymatic antioxidants: SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), GPX (glutathione peroxidase), GRX (glutathione reductase) and GST (glutathione transferase) were significantly decreased in the testis of ochratoxin-treated mice. Oral administration of Emblica officinalis aqueous extract (2 mg/animal/day) along with ochratoxin (Groups 6, 7) for 45 days, caused, significant, amelioration in ochratoxin-induced LPO by increasing the contents of non-enzymatic (GSH and TAA) and activities of enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPX, GRX and GST) antioxidants in the testis of mice as compared with those given ochratoxin alone animals (Groups 4, 5). Thus, oral administration of Emblica officinalis aqueous extract along with ochratoxin significantly ameliorates ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the testis of mice.     

Acrylamide-induced oxidative stress and biochemical perturbations in rats

Acrylamide is neurotoxic to experimental animals and humans. Also, it has mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of different doses of acrylamide on some enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in male rats. Animals were assigned at random to one of the following treatments: group 1 served as control, while groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 0.5, 5, 25, 50, 250 and 500 microg/kg body weight of acrylamide, respectively in drinking water for 10 weeks. Acrylamide significantly decreased plasma protein levels and the activity of creatine kinase, while increased plasma phosphatases. The activities of transaminases and phosphatases were significantly decreased in liver and testes, while lactate dehydrogenase did not change compared to control group. Plasma and brain acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly decreased. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and the activities of glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase in plasma, liver, testes, brain, and kidney were increased in acrylamide-treated rats. On the other hand, results obtained showed that acrylamide significantly reduced the content of sulfhydryl groups and protein in different tissues. The present results showed that different doses of acrylamide exerted deterioration effects on enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner.     

Protection of DNA and membranes from gamma‐radiation induced damages by Centella asiatica

Objectives The objective of the present study was to examine the ability of Centella asiatica extract to offer protection to DNA and membranes against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation exposure. Methods Protection of DNA under in‐vitro conditions of irradiation was estimated using plasmid relaxation assay. For in‐vivo studies the extract was administered orally to mice exposed to whole‐body γ‐radiation. The ability of the extract to offer protection against whole‐body γ‐radiation exposure was analysed by performing an alkaline comet assay on mouse bone marrow cells. The extent of lipid peroxidation was estimated using the TBARS (thio‐barbituric acid reacting substances) method, in order to monitor membrane damage. Radiation‐induced mortality of the animals following a lethal dose of γ‐radiation was also examined. Key findings Centella asiatica extract significantly reduced radiation‐induced damage to DNA. The extent of radiation‐induced mortality and lipid peroxidation was also found to be considerably reduced in animals administered with the extract. Conclusions Centella asiatica rendered radioprotection to DNA and membranes against radiation exposure, both in vitro and in vivo. We have earlier reported that administration of the extract can prevent a radiation‐induced decline in antioxidant enzyme levels. This suggests that radioprotection by Centella asiatica extract could be mediated by mechanisms that act in a synergistic manner, especially involving antioxidant activity.     

Histopathological and biochemical changes in the liver and testes of desert gerbil, after repeated exposures of Thimet (phorate)

Intraperitoneal administration of Thimet (0.6 mg/kg) on alternate days for a period of 30 days produced various pathological and biochemical changes in the liver and testes of male gerbils. Histology of the liver showed necrosis, enlarged hepatocytes and fatty degeneration. Histological changes seen in the testes were enlarged interstitium, pyknotic spermatogenic cells, reduction in tubular size and atrophy of Leydig cells. The activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases increased in both liver and testes while that of ATPase decreased significantly. The activity of G-6-Pase decreased in liver but increased significantly in testes. Partial recovery was seen 15 days after termination of Thimet treatment. The activities of acid phosphatase, ATPase of liver and alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and ATPase of testes did not return to their normal values up to 15 days after stopping the injections.     

Proteins, lipids, lipoproteins and some enzyme characterizations of the venom extract from the centipede Scolopendra morsitans

Some components of Scolopendra morsitans venom extract were characterized using disc gel electrophoresis and thin layer chromatography. Its protein component was separated into 13 anodal bands and a slowly moving cathodal band. The extract showed three slowly moving lipoprotein bands and the lipid components included phospholipids, cholesterol, free fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol esters and squalene. The enzymes esterase, acid and alkaline phosphatases and amino acid naphthylamidase were present in multiple forms. Acid phosphatase isoenzymes were of low activity.