Hypoglycaemic and Biochemical Properties of Cnestis Ferruginea

Increasing incidences of diabetes in Africa has prompted the search for safe and readily available alternative herbal remedies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Cnestis ferruginea was extracted with methanol and ethylacetate and the extracts obtained were tested for hypoglycaemic activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and mice. The extracts (250mg/kg body weight) were administered orally for 10 consecutive days to STZ-induced diabetic rats while a single dose (250mg/kg body weight) of the extracts were administered to STZ-induced diabetic mice. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined in the two groups of animals after extract administration. There was significant reduction in FBG (P< 0.005) by MCF and ECF within 4 hrs of extract administration in a time- dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of MCF and ECF for 10 days significantly lowered FBG in STZ diabetic rats (P<0.005) by 74% and 68%, respectively, whereas, glibenclamide - a standard antidiabetic drug reduced FBG by 60%. The levels of serum creatinine, urea, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein and level of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated. The extracts reduced significantly (P<0.005) the elevated levels of serum ALT and AST in diabetic treated rats. Similarly, both extracts significantly lowered (P<0.005) the levels of serum creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS).These results suggest that Cnestis ferruginea leaves contain a highly potent hypoglycaemic principle and could be a potential source for isolation of new orally active antihyperglycaemic compounds for attenuating secondary complications of diabetes such as atherosclerosis, liver and renal dysfunction.     

Serum bile acid in the evaluation of colchicine treatment of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

The usefulness of measuring serum-conjugated bile acid concentrations by radioimmunoassay in colchicine-modified carbon tetrachloride-induced liver lesions in rats was assessed by comparing the concentrations with the results of some routinely employed liver function tests such as serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and serum total protein. The serum cholylglycine levels were significantly (P less than 0.003) raised along with the serum aspartate transaminase (P less than 0.01) and alanine transaminase (P less than 0.01) activity levels in the carbon tetrachloride-treated group of rats when compared with the group treated with carbon tetrachloride plus colchicine. Colchicine prevented the increase in serum cholylglycine, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase induced by carbon tetrachloride but had no effect on serum total protein levels. This study suggests that radioimmunoassay of serum cholyglycine is a sensitive and specific indicator of liver injury and it is a useful tool in monitoring the treatment provided.     

Quercetin attenuates the development of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene(DMBA) and croton oil-induced skin cancer in mice

To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of quercetin in an experimental skin carcinogenesis mouse model.Skin tumor was induced by topical application of 7,12-dimethyl Benz(a) anthracene(DMBA) and Croton oil in Swiss albino mouse.Quercetin was orally administered at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 16 weeks in mouse to evaluate chemopreventive potential.Skin cancer was assessed by histopathological analysis.We found that quercetin reduced the tumor size and the cumulative number of papillomas.The mean latent period was significantly increased as compared to carcinogen treated controls.Quercetin significantly decreased the serum levels of glutamate oxalate transaminase,glutamate pyruvate transaminase,alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin.It significantly increased the levels of glutathione,superoxide dismutase and catalase.The elevated level of lipid peroxides in the control group was significantly inhibited by quercetin.Futhermore,DNA damage was significantly decreased in quercetin treated mice as compared to DMBA and croton oil treated mice.The results suggest that quercetin exerts chemopreventive effect on DMBA and croton oil induced skin cancer in mice by increasing antioxidant activities.     

Moringa oleifera-based diet protects against nickel-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Multiple health-promoting effects have been attributed to the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves, as part of diet without adequate scientific credence. This study evaluated the effect of M. oleifera-based diets on nickel (Ni) - induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Male rats assigned into six groups were given oral administration of 20 mg/kg body weight nickel sulfate in normal saline and either fed normal diet or M. oleifera-based diets for 21 days. All animals were sacrificed under anesthesia 24 hours after the last treatment. Ni exposure elevated the rat plasma activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase significantly. Ni exposure also raised the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while depleting the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Further, Ni exposure raised rat plasma malondialdehyde but depleted reduced glutathione concentrations. The histopathological presentations revealed inflammation and cellular degeneration caused by Ni exposure. We show evidence that M. oleifera-based diets protected against Ni-induced hepatotoxicity by improving the rat liver function indices, lipid profile as well as restoring cellular architecture and integrity. Study lends credence to the health-promoting value of M. oleifera as well as underscores its potential to attenuate hepatic injury.     

丝瓜络对实验性高血脂大鼠的降血脂效应

目的:探讨中药丝瓜络(RLF)对实验性高血脂大鼠的降血脂效果,以及对实验大鼠体重的影响。方法:雄性SD大鼠32只,随机均分为4组:对照(A)组、高脂模型(B)组、高脂+丝瓜络(C)组、丝瓜络(D)组。 A组和D组大鼠每日饲基础饲料,B组和C组给予高胆固醇饲料,C组和D组的大鼠每日经胃灌服丝瓜络煎剂10 mL/kg BW,A组和B组为每日每只经胃灌服饮用水2 mL,实验周期为14 d。结果:(1)实验后B组大鼠的血清胆固醇(TC)和甘油三脂(TG)分别为(4.63±1.10)和(1.13±0.15) mmol/L,显著高于对照(A)组的TC 和 (P<0.01), 而C组的TC 和TG 则显著低于B组(分别为P<0.05及P<0.01);(2)D组大鼠的TC,实验后较给药前有显著降低(P<0.01);(3)在实验的第8d,B组大鼠的血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)为(0.61±0.11) mmol/L,显著低于A 组 (P<0.01),而C组HDL-C 与A组没有显著差异(P>0.05);(4)B组大鼠体重实验后显著增加,而 C组的体重在变化与A组相似。结论:丝瓜络对实验性高血脂大鼠有明显的降血脂效应,使实验大鼠的TC和TG显著降低,HDL-C显著升高,而且能显著减轻实验大鼠的体重。     

Hypolipidemic effect of pantothenic acid derivatives in mice with hypothalamic obesity induced by aurothioglucose

The hypolipidemic effects of pantothenic acid derivatives (phosphopantothenate, panthenol and pantethine) were studied in mice with hypothalamic obesity. Hypothalamic obesity in mice was induced by single injection of aurothioglucose (300 mg/kg body wt, i.p.). All the tested substances were administered during the last 10 days before decapitation (i.m., of dosage equivalent to 150 mg/kg body wt of phosphopantothenate). The studied substances inhibited the weight gain of the animals with hypothalamic obesity over the last 10 days of the experiment. The treatment with aurothioglucose increased food intake and mean body weight, blood glucose level; insulin, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, the sum of LDL + VLDL and LDL-cholesterol concentration; triglyceride and cholesterol fractions in the liver; triglyceride and FFA content as well as lipoprotein lipase activity in adipose tissue of experimental mice. The administration of the assay compounds lowered food intake and mean body weight, insulin and glucose levels and decreased the content of triglycerides, total cholesterol and cholesterol esters in serum and adipose tissue as well as raised the activity of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue and serum lipolytic activity in obese mice. Among the compounds studied the reverse effect of panthenol was especially pronounced. The mechanism of hypolipidemic effects of pantothenic acid derivatives can be related to the reduced resistance to insulin and activation of lipolysis in serum and adipose tissue.     

Efficacy of Raphanus sativus in the treatment of paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

In the present study, the efficacy of a methanol extract of Raphanus sativus root (RSME) is tested in albino rats that developed hepatic damage due to administration of paracetamol (100 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Twenty rats were divided into three experimental groups (E1, E2, E3) and one control group (EC). Two doses of RSME (80 and 120 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to E1 and E2, respectively, and a mixture of RSME (120 mg/kg) and paracetamol (100 mg/kg) was administered to E3 for 21 days. Group EC and another group of normal rats (EN) that served as controls were administered distilled water. At the end of the experiment rats were bled to assay thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate aspartate transaminase (SGPT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase. Results indicated that RSME reduced the levels of TBARS, SGOT and SGPT, and increased the level of GSH and the catalase activity in E1 and E2 as compared to the EC group. Group E3 showed decreases in TBARS, SGOT and SGPT levels, but the results were not statistically significant compared with the EN group. There was also a marked depletion in GSH level and catalase activity in this group. RSME reduced lipid peroxidation induced by paracetamol and brought the levels of SGOT and SGPT to normal, indicating liver recovery. It also brought about repletion of GSH levels and recovery of catalase activity. Results for group E3 indicated that RSME was not able to reverse the effects of paracetamol if administration continued.     

水飞蓟宾对非酒精性脂肪性肝病线粒体膜流动性的影响

目的:探讨非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)大鼠模型中肝脏线粒体膜流动性的改变以及观察水飞蓟宾对NAFLD的防治作用。方法:采用高脂饮食建立非酒精性脂肪性肝病大鼠模型,观察大鼠甘油三酸酯(TG)、胆固醇(TC)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、肝组织HE染色、脂肪细胞染色的变化,以及肝脏线粒体膜的流动性的改变,并以水飞蓟宾抗氧化治疗,与已知有疗效的罗格列酮对比,观察其对上述指标的影响。结果:模型组血清ALT、AST、TG、TC显著升高,与空白对照组比较差异显著(P0.01)。HE染色提示肝组织呈弥散性脂质蓄积,模型组大鼠肝细胞线粒体微粘度明显高于空白对照组(P0.01)。罗格列酮治疗组TG、AST均得到明显改善(P0.05或P0.01);TC、ALT与模型组比较差异无显著(P0.05)。水飞蓟宾治疗后,TC、TG、ALT以及AST均得到明显改善(均P0.01)。两治疗组大鼠肝MDA含量、肝细胞线粒体微粘度均较模型对照组下降(P0.01),且水飞蓟宾的效果比罗格列酮显著,差异显著(P0.05)。结论:高脂饮食可诱导大鼠NAFLD发生,水飞蓟宾可以有效地防治NAFLD。稳定并维持适当的肝脏线粒体膜流动性、减轻肝脏脂质过氧化可能是水飞蓟宾肝脏保护功能的作用途径。     

Carnosine decreased oxidation and glycation products in serum and liver of high‐fat diet and low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

High‐fat diet (HFD) and low‐dose streptozotocin (STZ)‐treated rats provide useful animal model for type II diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a role in the development of diabetic complications. Carnosine (CAR) has anti‐oxidant and anti‐glycating properties. We investigated the effects of CAR on oxidation and glycation products in HFD+STZ rats. Rats were fed with HFD (60% of total calories from fat) for 4 weeks, and then a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg; i.p.) was applied. Rats with blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dl were fed with HFD until the end of the 12th week. CAR (250 mg/kg body weight; i.p.; five times a week) was administered to the rats for the last four weeks. CAR significantly decreased serum triglyceride (TG) (57.7%), cholesterol (35.6%) levels and hepatic marker enzyme activities of HFD+STZ rats. It significantly reduced serum reactive oxygen species (ROS) (23.7%), AGEs (13.4%) and advanced oxidized protein products (AOPP) (35.9%) and hepatic TG (59%), ROS (26%), malondialdehyde (MDA) (11.5%), protein carbonyl (PC) (19.2%) and AGE (20.2%) levels. Liver steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning were also significantly reduced. However, CAR treatment did not alter serum glucose and blood glycated haemoglobin and hepatic anti‐oxidant enzyme activities/mRNA expressions in HFD+STZ rats. Our results indicate that CAR decreased accumulation of oxidation and glycation products, such as MDA, AGE, AOPP and PC in the serum and liver and ameliorated hepatic dysfunction in HFD+STZ rats. This effect may be related to its anti‐oxidative, anti‐glycating, and anti‐lipogenic potential.     

Lack of effect of clofibrate on hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity in young swine in the postabsorptive state.

Effects of clofibrate treatment of 7 days duration were studied on hepatic HMG-CoA (β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A) reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) activity and on acetate incorporation into cholesterol by tissue slices from liver and ileum in 29 young male mash-fed swine in the postabsorptive state. Swine treated with either 2 or 10 gm of clofibrate daily showed marked reductions in serum cholesterol levels. Unlike the large decrease observed in rats, hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity was not significantly reduced in either treated group. Acetate incorporation into cholesterol by liver and ileal slices was similarly unaffected by clofibrate. These results and our previous cholesterol balance studies of clofibrate-treated swine suggest that the drug does not inhibit cholesterol synthesis in these animals. The mechanism of action of clofibrate in swine may be different from that in rats.     

Hepatoprotective effects of prostacyclins on CCl4-induced liver injury in rats

Certain biochemical parameters of acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride were investigated in rats treated with prostacyclin (PGI2) and two of its derivatives. Serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase elevation and both triglyceride accumulation and reduction of glycogen content in liver were significantly suppressed by PGI2, 7-oxo-PGI2, and 20-methyl-13,14-didehydro-2,4-m-interphenylene-PGI2 48 hr after the injury. Prostacyclins partially restored some of the parameters of injury even in doses of 10 micrograms/kg ip. When the compounds were given 24 hr after CCl4 intoxication, much more pronounced protection was observed than in the case of treatments 1 hr before administration of the hepatotoxin. Thus, all tested prostacyclins exerted significant protective effects on acute liver damage which is obtained mainly in the second phase of the injury.     

Evaluation of progressive hepatic histopathology in long-term tamoxifen therapy

Tamoxifen (TAM) therapy is the better treatment for breast cancer and the drug use the prophylaxis of this disease in young premenopausal women. Yet, the effects associated with this therapy are unknown. To better understand the extension of this problem, we developed an animal model to mimic this therapy, aiming to evaluate its potential biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver. Young cycling female rats were treated with TAM for one, two and three months and toxicological biomarkers and liver histomorphometry were evaluated. Starting at two months, TAM-treatment prevented the normal age-dependent increase in body weight, without inducing changes in food intake. Serum levels of cholesterol and of the metabolic enzymes creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase were reduced in all TAM treatment periods. Serum levels of the metabolic enzymes alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased after the first month but returned to control levels upon 3 months of drug exposition. Moderate microvesicular steatosis, classified only at the first month of TAM treatment, was reduced afterwards. Our model showed an adaptive response of liver upon 3 months of treatment, suggesting that at the stated conditions, TAM will not promote hepatotoxicity. In this way, the present model may be useful in the study of possible key endocrine effects of TAM use and the search for better clinical outcomes.     

Protective Effect of Garcinia Kola (Kolaviron) Extract on Predisposition of Rats to Cardiovascular Diseases Following Separate Administration of Amodiaquine and Artesunate

This study was carried out to investigate the cardiovascular effect of administration of antimalarial drugs amodiaquine and artesunate and the efficacy of Garcinia kola extract (kolaviron) in protecting against such possible effect. Thirty (30) adult male albino rats divided into six (6) groups were used in this study. Groups D, E and F were treated with 100 mg/Kg b. w of the extract twice daily for the first one week and 200 mg/Kg b. w. /day for the subsequent three (3) weeks. Amodiaquine (10mg/Kg. b. w. /day) was administered orally for four (4) days into rats in groups A and E while rats in groups B and F were treated with artesunate (5mg/Kg b. w. /day) for four (4) days. Group C rats (normal control) were treated with normal saline. All the rats were sacrificed after four (4) weeks treatment period. Blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture while the liver, kidney, stomach and heart were removed, cleansed and weigh. Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were measured in the serum, while total fibrinogen, platelet count, red blood cell and white blood cell count were measured in the whole blood. The artherogenic and coronary risk index were also determined. Results indicate that both amodiaquine and artesunate predispose to cardiovascular disease, however the effect was more pronounced with artesunate than amodiaquine. The result also suggests that both drugs could increase the risk of coronary and artherogenic diseases and that Garcinia kola do not prevent the cardiotoxicity and coronary risk effect.     

Toxicological evaluation of 10% Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill fruit consumption in the diet of growing rats: Hematological,biochemical and histopathological effects

Solanum lycocarpum St. Hill (Solanaceae) is a native shrub very common in the Brazilian savanna. The fruit of this plant contains steroidal glycoalkaloids that may disrupt the endocrine system. Because this plant is employed in folk medicine for the management of diabetes, obesity and decreasing cholesterol levels, the present study determined the possible toxic effects of exposure to S. lycocarpum fruit from weaning (21 days old) until adult age (8 weeks of treatment) in male and female rats. In male rats, the plant reduced weight gain, while few significant differences were observed in female animals. Slight significant differences were observed in food and water consumption and in hematological parameters in treated rats. Reductions in adrenal gland, spleen, heart, kidneys and thymus weights of treated males were observed, while increased relative weights were detected in the heart, epididymises, lungs, seminal vesicles, and testicles. In females, no differences were observed in organ weights and few differences were observed in relative weights of some organs. The histopathologic study showed no alteration between groups. Serum biochemical parameters showed triglyceride reductions in treated animals of both sexes; in females, an increase in albumin and alanine aminotransferase levels and a reduction in total protein levels were noted. The present data therefore demonstrate sex-related differences in S. lycocarpum toxicity.     

Occurrence of cell death (apoptosis) during the involution of liver hyperplasia

A single intravenous injection of lead nitrate at a dose of 10 mumoles/100 gm of body weight caused liver enlargement associated with hepatic cell proliferation. In the present study the involution of liver hyperplasia which follows the withdrawal of lead was studied in male Wistar rats. Histologic examination of liver sections from rats killed during the regression of the liver did not show any sign of massive lytic cell necrosis; no variation in the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase could be observed during the same time period; however, light microscopic observation of sections from the involuting liver showed the presence of several apoptotic bodies; the occurrence of apoptotic bodies was also confirmed by ultrastructural examination. Their incidence was found to be markedly increased at 5 days after treatment, a time period when the liver is already regressing; very few apoptotic bodies were observed in control animals or in treated rats 2 days after lead injection, a time point when mitotic index reached its maximum, or at 15 days, when the liver had returned to control values. These findings suggest that removal of excess liver which follows the initial hyperplasia caused by lead is due to a controlled mode of cell death, namely, apoptosis.     

疏肝健脾方对NASH大鼠肝组织IKKβmRNA和蛋白表达的影响

目的:探讨疏肝健脾方对非酒精性脂肪性肝炎(NASH)大鼠肝组织核因子κB(NF-κB)抑制蛋白激酶β(IKKβ)mRNA和蛋白表达的影响。方法:采用高脂饲料喂养建立NASH大鼠实验模型,在施以造模因素的同时各药物干预组大鼠分别灌服疏肝方(柴胡疏肝散)、健脾方(参苓白术散)和综合方(柴胡疏肝散和参苓白术散的合方)的高、低剂量进行干预,16周后各组大鼠腹主动脉采血,全自动生化分析仪检测血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)及肝组织TC、TG的含量;ELISA检测血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)及白细胞介素1(IL-1)的水平;HE染色观察肝组织病理变化;实时荧光定量RT-PCR检测肝组织IKKβmRNA的表达水平;Westernblotting检测肝组织IKKβ蛋白磷酸化水平的变化。结果:肝组织病理染色提示大鼠NASH造模成功,与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清TC、LDL-C、肝组织TC、TG及炎症细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1、IL-6水平均显著升高(P<0.01,P<0.05),肝组织IKKβmRNA及其磷酸化蛋白的表达水平均明显升高(P<0.01)。与模型组相比,肝组织TC、TG含量及血清TNF-α的含量以综合方高、低剂量组、健脾方高剂量组及疏肝方高剂量组下降显著(P<0.01,P<0.05);IL-1和IL-6含量均以综合方高剂量组降低显著(P<0.05),IKKβmRNA的表达水平以综合方高组及健脾方高组下调明显(P<0.05),磷酸化IKKβ蛋白的表达水平以健脾方高剂量组及综合方高、低剂量组下降最为显著(P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论:血清炎症细胞因子TNF-α、IL-1和IL-6水平的显著升高、肝组织IKKβmRNA及其磷酸化蛋白的高表达可能参与NASH的发病。降低相关炎症细胞因子的含量、抑制IKKβmRNA及蛋白磷酸化可能是疏肝健脾方抗NASH的重要机制之一。     

Histological and Biochemical Effects of Arteether? on the Liver of Wistar Rats

Arteether™ is among the recent drugs that are used to combat chloroquine-resistant malarial parasites. This study examined the effects of arteether™ on enzyme biomarkers of the liver, serum protein concentrations, and liver morphology. Twenty (20) adult albino Wistar rats weighing 200 – 250 g were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C and D) of five animals each, and used in this study. Group A rats were given intramuscular (i. m.) arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group B rats received i. m. arteether™ (6 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. Group C rats were given i. m. arteether™ (3 mg/kg b. w.) daily for 3 days. The same dose was repeated at two-weekly intervals for 4 further weeks, while group D rats which received normal saline (0.9 % w/ v, 3 ml/kg b.w.), served as controls. At the end of the experiment, the body weights of the animals were determined and recorded. Serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (ASP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP) and albumin were assayed, and histological studies were performed. Results obtained show no significant difference (P<0.05) in liver enzymes (ALT, ASP, ALP). TP and albumin were significantly reduced in group C rats. Histological studies revealed no cyto-architectural changes. It is concluded that at therapeutic doses, arteether™ is well tolerated in Wistar rats.     

Cobalt chloride induces hepatotoxicity in adult rats and their suckling pups

To assess liver damages in pregnant and lactating rats and in their suckling pups, wistar female rats were given through drinking water 350 ppm of CoCl₂ (157 ppm Co²⁺) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. The effects of cobalt chloride on lipid peroxidation levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid profile and histopathology aspects of liver were evaluated. Biochemical results showed that lipid peroxidation increased significantly in Co-treated rats, as evidenced by high liver thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) levels. Alteration of the antioxidant system in treated group was confirmed by the significant decline of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content in liver of suckling pups and their mothers. Moreover, CoCl₂ exposure induced an increase in the activities of the aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate deshydrogenase (LDH) and bilirubin levels in pups and their mothers while liver LDH activity and plasma albumin level were significantly decreased. On the other hand, cobalt chloride induced a marked hypoglycemia, a significant decline in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. Histological studies showed an infiltration of mononuclear cells and vascular congestion in liver of pups and their mothers.Based on the present findings, exposure of rats to CoCl₂ during late pregnancy and early postnatal period affects antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation indicating liver damage in mothers and their offspring.     

GLP-1下调非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠SOCS-3和SREBP-1c的表达

目的:探讨胰高血糖素样肽-l(GLP-1)对非酒精性脂肪肝大鼠SOCS-3和SREBP-1c mRNA表达的影响。方法:将雄性SD大鼠32只随机分为正常对照(NC)组、高脂(HF)组和HF+利拉鲁肽(Lira)组。HF组和HF+Lira组给予高脂饲料喂养16周,HF+Lira组高脂喂养12周后,给予Lira 600μg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)腹腔注射4周。在16周末处死大鼠。全自动生化仪检测血清ALT、AST、甘油三酯(TG)和总胆固醇(TC);GPO-PAP法测定肝脏TG含量;酶联免疫法测定空腹胰岛素,并计算胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR);光学显微镜下观察肝脏病理变化;RTqPCR法测定肝组织SOCS-3和SREBP-1c的mRNA表达水平。结果:与NC组相比,HF组血清ALT、AST、TG、TC、肝TG、FINS及HOMA-IR均明显升高(P0.01);HF+Lira组与HF组相比,血清的ALT、AST、TG、TC、肝TG、FINS及HOMA-IR均下降,差异有统计学显著性(P0.05)。HF组肝组织SOCS-3和SREBP-1c的mRNA表达水平较NC组显著增强(P0.01);HF+Lira组较HF组SOCS-3和SREBP-1c的mRNA表达显著下降(P0.05)。结论:Lira可能通过下调肝组织SOCS-3和SREBP-1c的mRNA表达,改善IR,减少肝脏TG沉积,从而对非酒精性脂肪性肝病起到治疗作用。     

Effects of chlorella phospholipid on the aortic collagen and elastin metabolism and on the serum lipid content in rats with experimental arteriosclerosis

Rats treated with 44,800 IU of vitamin D₂ for 4 consecutive days were fed an atherogenic diet in the presence or absence of 1% chlorella phospholipid. Control rats received a basal diet and were administered olive oil. After 2 months the animals were killed and aortic prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl oxidase activity, collagen, elastin, and serum lipid levels were determined. Aortic prolyl hydroxylase activity was significantly decreased in rats receiving the atherogenic diet in the absence of chlorella phospholipid. The aortic collagen and elastin content was lower in rats additionally treated with chlorella phospholipid. Aortic lysyl oxidase activity was significantly decreased in all rats receiving the atherogenic diet. The serum cholesterol level was significantly higher in rats on the atherogenic diet, especially the absence of chlorella phospholipid supplementation. The findings suggest that the administration of chlorella phospholipid may stimulate the degradation of collagen and elastin in the aorta of rats fed an atherogenic diet and that the serum cholesterol lowering effect of chlorella phospholipid is not ascribable to thyroid functions. Furthermore, the results suggest that the aortic degradation rate of elastin was reduced by the atherogenic treatment.