Effect of viral infection on drug metabolism and pesticide disposition in ducks.

The influence of duck hepatitis virus (DHV) on hepatic drug metabolism was investigated using adult mallard ducks. Mallard drakes were fed 900 ppm of DDT and were killed at various times over periods of 10 or 12 days. Pesticide analysis by electron-capture gas chromatography revealed an enhanced in vivo biotransformation of DDT in mallards infected with DHV 48 hr prior to feeding the DDT diet for 12 days. Concentrations of DDT were lower in the serum of infected ducks, while the concentration of the metabolite DDD was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the bile of infected ducks throughout the 12-day feeding trial. The ratio of biliary DDD to DDE increased steadily in both control and DHV-treated groups, but was significantly higher (p < 0.01) among the virus-treated birds indicating a preferential induction of the microsomal dechlororeductase activity which produces DDD. Microsomal enzyme activities were generally higher in the virus-treated birds fed DDT than in noninfected controls fed DDT. The differences were most pronounced on Day 8 when the activities of all three enzymes were higher at the p < 0.05 level.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. seed extract on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in guinea pigs

To determine the therapeutic potential of herbal medicine Moringa oleifera Lam. family: Moringaceae in the control of allergic diseases, the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of the seeds of the plant (MOEE) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway inflammation in guinea pigs was examined. During the experimental period, the test drugs (MOEE or dexamethasone) were administered by oral route prior to challenge with aerosolized 0.5% OVA. Bronchoconstriction tests were performed and respiratory parameters (i.e., tidal volume and respiratory rate) were measured. At the end of experiment, blood was collected from each animal to perform total and differential counts and serum was used for assay of IL-4, IL-6, and TNFalpha. Lung lavage fluid (BAL) was collected for estimation of cellular content and cytokine levels. Lung tissue histamine assays were performed using the homogenate of one lobe from each animal; a separate lobe and the trachea were subjected to histopathology to measure the degree of any airway inflammation. The results suggest that in OVA-sensitized control animals that did not receive either drug, tidal volume (V(t)) was decreased, respiration rate (f) was increased, and both the total and differential cell counts in blood and BAL fluid were increased significantly. MOEE-treatment of sensitized hosts resulted in improvement in all parameters except BAL TNFalpha and IL-4. Moreover, MOEE-treatment also showed protection against acetylcholine-induced broncho-constriction and airway inflammation which was confirmed by histological observations. The results of these studies confirm the traditional claim for the usefulness of this herb in the treatment of allergic disorders like asthma.     

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seed extract on the genital organs of male and female rats

Following the oral administration of acetone extract of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seeds for 15 days is male rats, total protein concentration was found to be significantly decreased in testes and vas deferens and increased in seminal vesicles and prostate gland. There was a decrease in activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase in all these regions, except that alkaline phosphatase was unchanged in vasa. In female rats, oral administration of the extract for 10 days led to vaginal cornification and oestrus cycle. While moderate doses caused increase in weight of mammary glands, higher doses increased the weight of oviduct, endometrium, myometrium, cervix and vagina also. The results confirm the oestrogenic activity of the seed extract.     

Effect of water extract of Turkish propolis on tuberculosis infection in guinea-pigs.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H(37)R(v))-infected guinea-pig model was used to investigate the effect of water extract of propolis (WEP). After subcutaneous inoculation of tubercle bacilli, each animal received oral WEP (n=9), isoniazid (n=5) or saline (n=6) as placebo and were sacrificed 30 days later. Formation of necrosis was less prominent in the group treated with WEP, but was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The granuloma formation in the same group was more prominent than the placebo and isoniazid groups; however, this finding failed to reach statistical significance by the Kruskal-Wallis test (P>0.05). These findings suggest that Turkish WEP may have a limited effect on the development of tuberculosis infection in this guinea-pig model.     

Effect of Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in hamsters

In this study, we investigated the effects of an Eriobotrya japonica seed extract (ESE) on mucositis using a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis hamster model. This model was prepared by intraperitoneally administering 90 mg/kg of 5-FU to hamsters on Day 1, scratching 1 cm(2) of the left cheek pouch of hamsters with a wire brush on Days 2, 3, and 4, and intraperitoneally administering 60 mg/kg of 5-FU on Day 5. Mucositis was evaluated based on the mucositis score at the mucositis site, left cheek pouch thickness, histological findings on HE staining, and plasma lipid peroxide levels. On Day 10, the mucositis score and left cheek pouch thickness in the ESE group were significantly lower than those in the tap water group. Histologically, the two groups showed a defect of the cheek pouch epithelium on Day 6. On Day 10, epithelial injury and bacterial infection were noted in the tap water group. However, in the ESE group, similar findings were not observed. On Day 6, the plasma lipid peroxide level in the tap water group was significantly higher than that in the normal group. In the ESE group, the plasma lipid peroxide level was significantly lower than that in the tap water group. These results suggest that ESE is useful for treating chemotherapy-induced mucositis.     

Effects of Catuaba extracts on microbial and HIV infection.

Pretreatment of mice with hot water and alkaline extracts of Catuaba casca (Erythroxylum catuaba Arr. Cam.) effectively protected them from lethal infection of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts significantly inhibited both the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-induced cytopathic effect and the expression of HIV antigen in HIV-1HTLV-IIIB or HIV-2ROD infected human lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) positive MT-4 cells. The 50% effective concentrations of the active fractions (21-263 micrograms/ml) were 1/4 - 1/43 of their 50% cytotoxic concentrations. Their anti-HIV activity was shown to be induced, at least in part, via the inhibition of HIV adsorption to the cells. The data suggest a medicinal potential of Catuaba extracts against opportunistic infection in HIV patients.     

葡萄籽原花青素对小鼠深低温脑缺血-再灌注损伤的影响

目的探讨葡萄籽原花青素(GSPE)对小鼠脑缺血-再灌注(I-R)损伤的保护作用。方法 60只C57/BL6小鼠随机均分为GSPE(A)组、模型(B)组和假手术(C)组,建立深低温I-R模型,再灌注24 h后处死小鼠取脑,RT-PCR技术检测小鼠脑组织半胱天冬氨酸蛋白酶(Caspase)3mRNA,TUNEL法检测小鼠大脑皮层细胞凋亡。结果与C组比较,A组和B组Caspase-3 mRNA表达和细胞凋亡明显增加(P<0.05);而A组各观察指标低于B组(P<0.05)。结论 GSPE对深低温I-R损伤鼠脑有保护作用。     

松针提取物对高脂血症大鼠载脂蛋白的影响

目的探讨松针提取物对实验性高脂血症大鼠的预防作用及机制。方法清洁级近交系40日龄Wistar雄性大鼠40只,根据体重随机分成4组,每组10只：正常对照组饲喂基础饲料;高脂饲料对照组饲喂高脂饲料;松针提取物低、高剂量干预组饲喂高脂饲料,并分别给予50、150mg／kgBW松针提取物灌胃,另两组大鼠给予同体积生理盐水灌胃,连续用药10周。分别于实验前及实验的第5、10周末禁食12h后眶静脉取血,测定血清总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三酯（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL—C）、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL—C）、载脂蛋白B（ApoB）、载脂蛋白A—I（ApoA—I）,末次取血后将实验大鼠处死,取主动脉及肝脏组织作形态学检查。结果与高脂对照组比较,高剂量松针提取物干预组TC、TG、LDL—C、ApoB、ApoB／ApoA—I显著降低（P〈0．01）,HDL—C、ApoA—I显著升高（P〈0．05）。与高脂对照组比较,松针提取物组干预组大鼠肝脂肪空泡明显缩小,动脉斑块缩小,两干预组相比,高剂量松针提取物干预组效果更明显（P〈0．05）。结论松针提取物具有降低ApoB、ApoB／ApoA—I,阻止动脉硬化早期主动脉粥样硬化发展的作用。原花青素是发挥此作用的主要物质。     

Effect of respiratory tract viral infection on murine airway beta-adrenoceptor function, distribution and density.

1. The effects of a respiratory tract viral infection on beta-adrenoceptor density, distribution and function were investigated in murine airways. 2. Following intranasal inoculation of CBA/CaH mice with influenza A/PR-8/34 virus, the virus proliferated rapidly in trachea (peak titres 2 days post-inoculation) and lung (peak titres 4-6 days post-inoculation). Respiratory tract viral infection was associated with a significant increase in lung weight (88% higher than control mice at day 6 post-inoculation) that was related temporally to the development of peripheral lung inflammation and consolidation. 3. Analysis of specific binding of [125I]-cyanopindolol to beta-adrenoceptors revealed that on days 2, 4 and 8 post-inoculation with virus, mouse isolated tracheal sections contained, on average, 40% more beta-adrenoceptors than tracheal sections from time matched control mice. Subsequent quantitative autoradiographic studies demonstrated that this increase in total tracheal beta-adrenoceptors was due primarily to a 90% increase in the density of beta-adrenoceptors in the tracheal epithelium in virus-infected mice. 4. In contrast, virus-infection had no significant effect on the density of beta-adrenoceptors in tracheal airway smooth muscle, although within 2 days of inoculation with virus, mouse tracheal smooth muscle segments were approximately 2 fold less sensitive to the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, noradrenaline (mean pD2 = 6.57 +/- 0.04, n = 24) and to the adenylyl cyclase-activator forskolin (mean pD2 = 6.78 +/- 0.04, n = 12) compared to segments from control mice (mean pD2 = 6.84 +/- 0.06 for noradrenaline; mean pD2 = 7.03 +/- 0.07 for forskolin). Similar values were obtained 8 days post-inoculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Anti-inflammatory studies on Adenanthera pavonina seed extract

A methanol extract of the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina was evaluated for pharmacological effects in animal models. The extract (50–200 mg/kg) produced statistically significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in the rat, as well as the acetic-acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, pleurisy induced with carrageenan was also inhibited. The extract (50–200 mg/kg) exhibited a dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic-induced writhing in mice. In addition, both early and late phases of the formalin-induced paw licking in mice was inhibited by the extract. Acute toxicity studies revealed that the extract produced reduced motor activity. The LD₅₀ value of the extract was found to be 1.36 g/kg. This study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of A. pavonina extract.     

Effect of seed coat extract from black soybeans on radial maze performance in rats

1. In the present study, we tested the effect of seed coat extract from black soybeans on eight-arm radial maze performance in rats. 2. Rats were fed a diet containing 5% seed coat extract from black soybeans or a normal diet for 40 days. 3. One week after the start of feeding, rats were tested for learning ability related to two types of memory, reference memory and working memory, with a partially (four of eight) baited eight-arm radial maze. 4. A significant decrease in the total number of errors was observed 30 (mean value of five trials of 26-30 days) and 35 days (30-35 days) after the intake of the diet containing seed coat extract compared with the control group. In addition, the mean number of days taken to reach this criterion was significantly decreased after the intake of the diet containing the seed coat extract. 5. The number of reference memory errors was significantly decreased 30 and 35 days after the intake of the diet containing seed coat extract. However, no significant decrease was observed in the number of working memory errors. 6. From these results, it is concluded that the intake of seed coat extract from black soybeans effectively enhances memory and learning ability, especially long-term memory, in rats.     

Effect of orally administered Eriobotrya japonica seed extract on allergic contact dermatitis in rats

The anti-allergic activity of Eriobotrya japonica seeds extract (ESE) was investigated. Oral administration of ESE dramatically inhibited ear swelling due to allergic contact dermatitis caused by repeated application of two antigens, 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (oxazolone) and dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), respectively. The increase of histamine content in inflamed ear tissue induced by oxazolone and DNFB was significantly antagonized by orally administered ESE. Eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase activity in both models was suppressed by orally administered ESE. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the inflamed region caused by repeated application of DNFB was also significantly suppressed. The findings suggest that ESE may be effective for treating allergic contact dermatitis.     

葡萄籽提取物对破骨细胞分化的影响

目的检测葡萄籽提取物对破骨细胞分化、形成、功能的影响。方法利用实时定量基因扩增荧光检测系统(qPCR)检测破骨细胞分化标志分子的表达,利用抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色及 TRAP活性定量实验检测破骨细胞的形成情况,利用c?TX定量实验检测破骨细胞的骨吸收活性。结果细胞克隆经诱导分化后,与对照组相比, GSE组细胞的破骨标志分子 Itgb3 mRNA相对表达量由(216.59±34.61)下降至(104.55±9.54)(n＝3,P＝0.0355); Acp5由(103.37±14.77)下降至(78.96±13.15)(n＝3,P＝0.0351); Dcst由(304.85±14.77)下降至(65.03±11.75)(n＝3,P＝0.0003); Ctsk由(290.23±41.65)下降(132.23±14.06)(n＝3,P＝0.0229)。经葡萄籽提取物处理后,破骨标志分子 Itgb3、Acp5、Dcst、Ctsk mRNA水平均显著降低, TRAP阳性细胞数目减少, TRAP活性由(2.52±0.39)下降至(0.91±0.10)(n＝3,P＝0.0165),TRAP活性显著降低;与对照组细胞相比, GSE组细胞分泌的 c?TX量由(1.01±0.11)nmol/L下降至(0.49±0.06)nmol/L(n＝3,P＝0.0028),c?TX分泌显著减少。结论葡萄籽提取物有效抑制破骨细胞分化、形成及活性,葡萄籽提取物是潜在的预防治疗骨质疏松的营养补充剂。     

Effect of graded doses of Caesalpinia bonducella seed extract on ovary and uterus in albino rats

Histological changes observed under light microscope illustrate follicular degeneration in ovary, vacuolation and mild disorganization of uterus on treatment with graded doses of alcohol seed extract of Caesalpinia bonducella. There was a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in duration of estrous cycle and mean ovarian weight. However, there were no uniform variations in mean uterine weight, serum estradiol and progesterone level. The results suggest that alcohol seed extract of C. bonducella has antiestrogenic property, possibly acting via inhibition of estrogen secretion.     

Effect of ozone on susceptibility to respiratory viral infection and virus-induced cytokine secretion

Airway epithelium is the primary target tissue for respiratory viruses as well as an important target of ozone (O₃) toxicity. A change in the severity of viral airway infection may result from changes in epithelial cell susceptibility to infection, metabolic interference with viral replication, or altered production of immune regulatory molecules by the infected cells as a result of exposure to O₃. In this study we have investigated whether O₃ exposure alters the susceptibility of human airway epithelial cells to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the production of infectious virus, and/or release of virus-induced cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. The epithelial cell line BEAS-2B grown on collagen-impregnated filters was exposed to O₃ (0.5 ppm for 60 min) or filtered air immediately before or 24 h after infection with RSV. Cells exposed to O₃ before RSV infection released 44% less virus over 4 days of infection while O₃ exposure post RSV infection had no effect on virus production. O₃ exposure preceding RSV infection showed short term additive effects of these treatments on epithelial cell IL-6 and IL-8 production, a decrease in cytokines at 48 h, but did not affect long term cytokine production by RSV-infected cells. Furthermore, O₃ exposure did not affect long term cytokine production by cells with an established RSV infection at the time of exposure. These data suggest that O₃ does not adversely affect viral airway infection, at least not on the level of the host cell for viral replication.     

Antinociceptive effects of St. John's wort, Harpagophytum procumbens extract and Grape seed proanthocyanidins extract in mice

Hypericum perforatum extract (St. John's wort, SJW), Harpagophytum procumbens extract (HPE) and Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) have a broad spectrum of biological activities including antidepressant, anti-inflammatory or anti-oxidant effects. The aim of this study was to clarify antinociceptive properties of SJW, HPE and GSPE in mice with mechanisms that might potentially underlie these activities. Also, the effects of these herbal extracts on the antinociception and plasma and brain concentrations of morphine were examined. Oral pretreatment with SJW (100-1000 mg/kg) and HPE (30-300 mg/kg) attenuated significantly times of licking/biting both first and second phases of formalin injection in mice in the dose-dependent manner, and GSPE (10-300 mg/kg) suppressed second phase. Naloxone (5 mg/kg, s.c.) significantly attenuated antinociceptive effect of HPE but not SJW and GSPE. Formalin injection resulted in significant increase in the content of nitrites/nitrates (NO(x)) in mouse spinal cord. The rise of spinal NO(x) content by formalin was significantly attenuated by HPE and SJW. The pretreatment with SJW significantly potentiated an antinociceptive effect of morphine (0.3 mg/kg, s.c.), although concentrations of morphine in plasma and brain were not significantly changed by these herbal extracts. In conclusion, the present study has shown that SJW, HPE and GSPE exert significant antinociceptive effects in the formalin test of mice. In addition, opioidergic system seems to be involved in the antinociceptive effect of HPE but not SJW and GSPE. Furthermore, SJW potentiates morphine-induced antinociception possibly by pharmacodynamic interaction.     

龙眼核原花青素提取物对Ⅱ型糖尿病小鼠血糖血脂的影响

目的研究龙眼核原花青素提取物(longan seed proanthocyanidin extract,LSPE)对链脲佐菌素(streptozotocin,STZ)所致糖尿病小鼠血糖血脂的影响,并探讨相关作用机制。方法通过高脂饲喂结合腹腔注射STZ造糖尿病小鼠模型,将造模成功的糖尿病小鼠随机分为模型组、二甲双胍组(250 mg·kg~(-1)),LSPE高剂量组(300 mg·kg~(-1))、中剂量组(150 mg·kg~(-1))、低剂量组(75 mg·kg~(-1)),连续灌胃8周后通过断尾取血测定糖尿病小鼠空腹血糖;摘眼球取血,分离血清,测定血清中甘油三脂(triglyceride,TG)、总胆固醇(total cholesterol,TC)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(high density lipoprotein cholesterol,HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(low density lipoprotein cholesterol,LDL-C)的含量;采用试剂盒测定血清白细胞介素6(interleukin-6,IL-6)含量、C反应蛋白(C reactive protein,CRP)含量、超氧化物歧化酶(superoxide dismutase,SOD)活性、胰岛素(insulin,INS)含量及丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)含量;分离胰腺,HE染色观察胰腺组织学改变。结果与模型组比较,LSPE能改善糖尿病小鼠一般情况,缓解糖尿病小鼠体重减轻的症状;LSPE各组糖尿病小鼠的血糖下降;与模型组比较,LSPE高、中剂量组能显著增加INS含量,降低血浆中TG、IL-6和CRP含量,增加SOD活性(P<0.05);高剂量组能显著降低血清TC和MDA含量,增加HDL-C水平(P<0.05);糖尿病小鼠胰腺病变组织得到修复。结论龙眼核原花青素提取物对STZ所导致的糖尿病小鼠有明显的降低血糖和改善血脂,修复胰脏病变组织的作用,其作用机制可能与其能提高糖尿病小鼠机体抗氧化能力、降低炎症因子含量有关。     

Inhibition of triiodothyronine production by fenugreek seed extract in mice and rats.

The effects of fenugreek seed extract on the alterations in serum thyroid hormone concentrations were studied in adult male mice and rats. Simultaneously, hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes, viz superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were examined. Administration of methi seed extract (0.11 g kg body wt.(-1) day(-1) for 15 days) to both mice and rats significantly decreases serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) concentration and T(3)/T(4) ratio, but increases thyroxine (T(4)) levels and body weight. While hepatic LPO and CAT activities were not altered, a significant decrease in SOD activity was observed in both the animal models. These findings suggest that fenugreek seed extract induced inhibition in T(4)to T(3) conversion is not peroxidation-mediated and the inhibition in SOD activity could be the result of a decrease in the protein anabolic hormone, T3.