银杏达莫注射液对高钾血症大鼠离体血管张力的影响

目的: 观察银杏达莫注射液(GD)对高钾血症大鼠离体胸主动脉的影响,并探讨其可能作用机制。方法: 复制高钾血症大鼠模型,制备离体胸主动脉环,经生物信号与采集分析系统测定主动脉环的张力变化。观察不同浓度GD(4、8、16 mg/L)预孵育的高钾血症大鼠胸主动脉血管环对去氧肾上腺素(PE)和KCl收缩张力的影响。结果: 与正常大鼠相比,高钾血症大鼠胸主动脉环对PE和KCl收缩张力明显升高(P<0.05)。不同浓度GD对基础张力无明显影响(P>0.05)。在内皮完整主动脉环上,GD预孵育后对KCl收缩张力无明显影响(P>0.05);而16 mg/L GD预孵育后对PE收缩张力有明显抑制作用(P<0.05),此作用可被一氧化氮合酶抑制剂左旋硝基精氨酸甲酯(L-NAME)或鸟苷酸环化酶抑制剂亚甲蓝(MB)所抑制。在去内皮的主动脉环上,不同浓度GD预孵育后对PE收缩张力无显著作用(P>0.05)。结论: GD对高钾血症大鼠胸主动脉环具有内皮依赖性舒张作用,其机制可能与激活血管内皮细胞一氧化氮-鸟苷酸环化酶途径有关。     

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract improves the cognitive abilities of rats with D-galactose induced dementia

Standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract has been used in clinical trials for its beneficial effects on brain functions,particularly in dementia.Substantial experimental evidences indicated that Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGB) protected neuronal cells from a variety of insults.We investigated the effect of EGB on cognitive ability and protein kinase B (PKB) activity in hippocampal neuronal cells of dementia model rats.Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose to induce dementia.Forty-eight Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups,including the control group,D-galactose group (Gal),low-dose EGB group (EGB-L),mid-dose EGB group (EGB-M),high-dose EGB group (EGB-H) and treatment group.The EGB-L,EGB-M and EGB-H groups were administered with EGB and D-galactose simultaneously.Y-maze,cresyl violet staining,TUNEL assays and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to detect learning and memory abilities,morphological changes in the hippocampus,neuronal apoptosis and the expressing level of phospho-PKB,respectively.Rats in the Gal group showed decreased abilities of learning and memory,and hippocampal pyramidal cell layer was damaged,while EGB administration improved learning and memory abilities.The Gal group exhibited many stained,condensed nuclei and micronuclei,either isolated or within the cytoplasm of cells (39.5±1.4).Apoptotic cells decreased in the groups of EGB-L (35.9±0.9),EGB-M (16.8±1.0) and EGB-H (10.1±0.8),and there were statistical significances compared with the Gal group.Immunoreactivity of phospho-PKB was localized diffusely throughout the cytosol of cells in all groups,while the immunoreactivity of the Gal group was weak.EGB significantly attenuated learning and memory impairment in a dose-dependent manner,while it could decrease the nmber of TUNEL-positive cells,and increase the activity of PKB.Our results demonstrated that EGB attenuated memory impairment and cell apoptosis in galactose-induced dementia model rats by activating PKB.     

Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in Mice During Endurance Exercise

This study investigated the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on Free Radical Metabolism of Liver in mice during endurance exercise. Forty-eight mice were divided into the quiet group and the exercised group. And the two groups were both grouped again, including the control group and the drug-treated group. After exhaustive exercise, the exercised groups were subdivided into the immediate group and the recovery group. The swimming time to exhaustion significantly prolonged in the exercised drug-treated group as compared with the exercised control group (P <0.05); The SOD activity of drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the control groups and MDA content was significantly lower (P <0.05). The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised control groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet control group. The SOD activity and MDA content of exercised drug-treated groups significantly increased (P <0.05) as compared with the quiet drug-treated group. The results indicated that Ginkgo biloba extract can obviously increase the body''s endurance exercise capacity in mice and delay fatigue; Ginkgo biloba extract can help to increase the activity of the antioxidant enzymes in liver tissue, reduce the lipid peroxidation injury in liver tissue caused by free radicals, improve athletic ability, and promote the recovery process after exercise in mice.     

Modulation of cognition and mood following administration of single doses of Ginkgo biloba,ginseng, and a ginkgo/ginseng combination to healthy young adults

It has previously been demonstrated in separate studies that single doses of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and a combination of the two extracts can improve different aspects of cognitive performance in healthy young volunteers. The present study directly compared the effects of single doses of G. biloba, ginseng, and a product combining the two on aspects of mood and cognitive performance in the same cohort of healthy, young adult volunteers. The study followed a randomised placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced, cross-over design. Twenty participants received 360 mg of ginkgo, 400 mg of ginseng, 960 mg of a product combining the two extracts, and a matching placebo. Treatment order was dictated by random allocation to a Latin square, with a 7-day wash-out period between treatments. Cognitive testing comprised completion of the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) computerised assessment battery and two serial subtraction mental arithmetic tasks. Mood was assessed with Bond-Lader visual analogue scales. Following a baseline cognitive assessment, further test sessions took place 1, 2.5, 4, and 6 h after the day's treatment was taken. The results largely supported previous findings. All three treatments were associated with improved secondary memory performance on the CDR battery, with the ginseng condition evincing some improvement in the speed of performing memory tasks and in the accuracy of attentional tasks. Following ginkgo and the ginkgo/ginseng combination performance of both the Serial Threes and Serial Sevens, subtraction tasks was also improved at the later testing sessions. No modulation of the speed of performing attention tasks was evident. Improvements in self-rated mood was also found following ginkgo and to a lesser extent the combination product.     

Extract of Ginkgo Biloba Ameliorates Streptozotocin-Induced Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is caused by either destruction of pancreatic β-cells (type 1 DM) or unresponsiveness to insulin (type 2 DM). Conventional therapies for diabetes mellitus have been developed but still needs improvement. Many diabetic patients have complemented conventional therapy with alternative methods including oral supplementation of natural products. In this study, we assessed whether Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) 761 could provide beneficial effects in the streptozotocin-induced type 1 DM and high-fat diet-induced type 2 DM murine model system. For the type 1 DM model, streptozotocin-induced mice were orally administered EGb 761 for 10 days prior to streptozotocin injection and then again administered EGb 761 for an additional 10 days. Streptozotocin-treated mice administered EGb 761 exhibited lower blood triglyceride levels, lower blood glucose levels and higher blood insulin levels compared to streptozotocin-treated mice. Furthermore, liver LPL and liver PPAR-α were increased whereas IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased in streptozotocin-injected mice treated with EGb 761 compared to mice injected with streptozotocin alone. For the type 2 DM model, mice were given high-fat diet for 60 days and then orally administered EGb 761 every other day for 80 days. We found that mice given a high-fat diet and EGb 761 showed decreased blood triglyceride levels, increased liver LPL, increased liver PPAR-α and decreased body weight compared to mice given high-fat diet alone. These results suggest that EGb 761 can exert protective effects in both type 1 and type 2 DM murine models.     

Protective effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-acetylcysteine and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ginkgo biloba</Emphasis> extract on ischaemia-reperfusion-induced hepatic DNA damage in rats

Hepatic ischaemia-reperfusion injury is a serious problem that occurs during various surgical operations such as liver transplantation, surgical revascularization, and partial organ resection. Different pharmacological agents have been used for the protection of organ function and for extending the tolerable ischaemic interval after the ischaemic insult. We aimed to determine the presence of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the DNA from liver undergoing ischaemia-reperfusion, and also to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and EGb761 (Ginkgo biloba extract) against hepatic oxidative DNA damage. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups of 10 animals each (sham-operation group, control group, NAC group, and EGb761 group). Oxidative damage to DNA was evaluated by measuring the increase in 8-OHdG formation in liver tissue and also the effects of NAC and EGb761 pretreatment. Hepatic ischaemia for 90 min followed by reperfusion caused a marked increase in tissue levels of 8-OHdG, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance, serum ALT, AST and LDH activities compared to sham-operated group. Pretreatment with both NAC and EGb761 clearly diminished 8-OHdG formation and lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that antioxidant molecules such as NAC and EGb761 may be useful in preventing postischaemic reperfusion injury in hepatic tissue.     

An experimental model to study the effects of a senna extract on the blood constituent labeling and biodistribution of a radiopharmaceutical in rats

ABSTRACT Cassia angustifolia Vahl (senna) is a natural product that contains sennosides, which are active components that affect the intestinal tract and induce diarrhea. Authors have shown that senna produces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) lesions in Escherichia coli cultures and can act as an antifungal agent. Natural drugs can alter the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (^99mTc) and can affect the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals. In this work, we have evaluated the influence of a senna extract on the radiolabeling of blood constituents and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na^99mTcO₄) in Wistar rats. Twelve animals were treated with senna extract for 7 days. Blood samples were withdrawn from the animals and the radiolabeling procedure was carried out. The senna extract did not modify the radiolabeling of the blood constituents. A biodistributional assay was performed by administering Na^99mTcO₄ and determining its activity in different organs and in blood. The senna extract altered the biodistribution of Na^99mTcO₄ in the thyroid, liver, pancreas, lungs and blood. These results are associated with properties of the chemical substances present in the aqueous senna extract. Although these assays were performed in animals, our findings suggest that caution should be exercised when nuclear medicine examinations using Na^99mTcO₄ are conducted in patients who are using senna extract.     

银杏叶制剂对脑缺血再灌注后热休克蛋白、c-fos表达的影响

目的： 研究银杏叶制剂对大鼠脑缺血再灌注后热休克蛋白（HSP）、c-fos表达的影响，探讨其神经保护机制。 方法： 采用改良Longa法复制大鼠局灶脑缺血再灌注模型。56只实验大鼠随机分为正常对照组、假手术组、缺血再灌注组及银杏叶制剂预处理组。银杏组大鼠在实验前灌服银杏制剂2 mL，1日3次，连用5 d。应用HSP70及c-fos免疫组化染色、c-fos mRNA原位杂交、原位细胞凋亡及HE染色等方法观察缺血再灌注不同时点（1 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、3 d、7 d）两者的变化，并对其阳性结果进行半定量分析。 结果： 银杏制剂预处理组各时段神经细胞缺血程度明显轻于未处理组、TUNEL阳性细胞数明显少于未处理组，HSP70及c-fos表达的阳性细胞数则明显多于未处理组（P<0.01）。脑缺血再灌注组1 h 时c-fos即有表达，6 h达高峰，后逐渐下降。再灌注6 h组HSP70在缺血侧皮质及基底节开始表达，24 h达高峰。再灌注6 h细胞凋亡最显著。 结论： 银杏制剂可能通过诱导HSP70及c-fos的表达，发挥其神经保护作用。     

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of an extract,fractions, and compounds isolated from Gochnatia pulchra aerial parts

This paper reports on the in vitro antibacterial and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of a hydroethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Gochnatia pulchra (HEGP). It also describes the antibacterial activity of HEGP fractions and of the isolated compounds genkwanin, scutellarin, apigenin, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, as evaluated by a broth microdilution method. While HEGP and its fractions did not provide promising results, the isolated compounds exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity. The most sensitive microorganism was Streptococcus pyogenes, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 100, 50 and 25 µg/mL for genkwanin and the flavonoids apigenin and scutellarin, respectively. Genkwanin produced an MIC value of 25 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis. A paw edema model in rats and a pleurisy inflammation model in mice aided investigation of the anti-inflammatory effects of HEGP. This study also evaluated the ability of HEGP to modulate carrageenan-induced interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production. Orally administered HEGP (250 and 500 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema. Regarding carrageenan-induced pleurisy, HEGP at 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg diminished leukocyte migration by 71.43%, 69.24%, and 73.34% (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP suppressed IL-1β and MCP-1 production by 55% and 50% at 50 mg/kg (P<0.05) and 60% and 25% at 100 mg/kg (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP abated TNF-α production by macrophages by 6.6%, 33.3%, and 53.3% at 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg (P<0.05), respectively. HEGP probably exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1.     

Methanolic effect of Clerodendrum myricoides root extract on blood,liver and kidney tissues of mice

The present study deals with the toxicological investigations of chronic treatment with methanol root extract of Clerodendrum myricoides on body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, and liver and kidney tissue sections. Mice treated with 100mg/kg bw/day of methanol extract showed no behavioral changes. However, there was a general reduction of activity in mice treated with 400mg/kg bw/day methanol extract and LD₅₀ treated mice showed hypoactivity, grooming, prostration, piloroerection and irritation during administration towards the last days of the treatment period. The body weight gain difference in the 100mg/kg bw/day methanol extract treated group was not significant, while those of the others were significant as compared with the controls. Hematological results for the RBC count, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC in methanol extract treated mice showed no significant changes at both doses of treatments as compared with the controls. However, the value of lymphocytes was found significantly increased at 100 and 400mg/kg bw/day methanol extract. Similarly, HGB was significantly increased at 100 and 400mg/kg bw/day of methanol extract treated groups. On the other hand, WBC and platelets count were significantly decreased after treatment with 400mg/kg bw/day methanol extract. ALT, ALP, AST and urea values were significantly increased respectively at 100mg/kg bw/day and 400mg/kg bw/day methanol extract. Several histopathological changes of liver and kidney were observed in the extract treated mice as compared to the controls. Such histopathological changes observed in both liver and kidneys were inflammations and hydropic degenerations of hepatocytes at both doses of methanol. In addition, in the LD₅₀ treated mice of the extracts there were also hemorrhages and signs in congestion of glomeruli of the kidney.

Conclusion

chronic treatment with Clerodendrum myricoides extracts in mice causes reduction in body weight gain, damage to liver & kidney and changes in some hematological & biochemical parameters. It is therefore, suggested that further studies are needed for minimization of the observed side effects, while maintaining the claimed medicinal values of the extract.     

Hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects of Ficus exasperata vahl. (Moraceae) leaf aqueous extract in rats

The hypotensive and hypoglycaemic effects of Ficus exasperata (Vahl) (family: Moraceae) leaf aqueous extract (FEE) were investigated in experimental rat models. In this study, spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHR) (type 1 diabetes), obese Zucker (type 2 diabetes) and Wistar rats were used. Three (A, B and C) groups of rats, each group consisting of 10 rats, were used. Group A Wistar rats received distilled water in quantities equivalent to the volume of streptozotocin (STZ) and FEE administered intraperitoneally to treated rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced in the SHR group B rats by multiple low-dose (MLD) intraperitoneal injections of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight) to induce type 1 diabetes. The animals in group C were the obese Zucker rats with non-insulin-independent diabetes mellitus (NDDM) (type 2 diabetes) on genetic basis. F. exasperata leaf aqueous extract (FEE, 100 mg/kg/day p.o.) was administered orally by orogastric intubation to fasted Groups B and C rats. In groups B and C rats, administration of FEE commenced 4 weeks post STZ injection, and continued for the next 4 consecutive weeks. Group A rats gave normal biochemical and morphological findings. Group B rats exhibited pronounced polyuria, hypoinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia. These findings were also observed in group C rats, except that there was hyperinsilinaemia. Histopathological study of the aortic blood vessels showed extensive collagen fiber formation as well as perivascular fibrosis in both groups B and C rats. Four weeks of oral administration of F. exasperata leaf aqueous extract to diabetic groups of rats decreased blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid profiles. Administration of FEE (100 mg/kg p.o.) also restored the microanatomy of the blood vessels to almost normal levels. The findings of this study suggest that F. exasperata leaf aqueous extract possesses hypoglycaemic, hypotensive and hypolipidaemic properties. These findings lend biomedical and pharmacological support to the folkloric, ethnomedical uses of the plant in the management and/or control of diabetes and hypertension among the Yoruba-speaking people of Western Nigeria.     

哮喘大鼠外周血T淋巴细胞TH1/TH2细胞因子和PKCα的表达及银杏叶制剂对其影响

目的探讨银杏叶制剂对在哮喘免疫学发病机制中起关键作用的T淋巴细胞部分生物学功能的影响.方法 14只SD大鼠随机分成哮喘和正常两组,每组7只.从每只大鼠外周血分离出T淋巴细胞进行分组培养,72 h后用RT-PCR检测各组IL-2、IL-4、IL-5 mRNA的表达量,Westernblot检测各组细胞膜与细胞浆蛋白激酶Cα(protein kinase C α,PKCα)的表达比率.结果 IL-2、IL-4、IL-5mRNA表达量在哮喘组分别为0.58±0.086、1.03±0.12、0.48±0.08,正常组分别为0.45±0.03、0.35±0.08、0.15±0.05,各因子两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);哮喘组T淋巴细胞给予BN-52021干预后IL-2、IL-4、IL-5 mRNA的表达量明显下降(分别为0.49±0.05、0.55±0.09、0.27±0.05,P＜0.05);正常组IL-2/IL-4 mRNA的比值为1.27±0.20,哮喘组为0.60±0.18,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),其中哮喘组给予BN-52021干预后比值有所增大0.92±0.15,与未干预组比较有明显变化(P＜0.01).哮喘PMA+BN-52021干预组IL-2、IL-4、IL-5 mRNA表达量分别为1.52±0.25、1.99±0.36、0.68±0.21,明显低于哮喘PMA干预组(P＜0.05),而PMA+Ro31-8220组与PMA+Ro31-8220+BN-52021干预组比较差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).哮喘空白组PKCα在T淋巴细胞胞膜与胞浆的表达量比率为0.629±0.093,显著高于正常对照组(0.056±0.012,P＜0.01),BN-52021干预后哮喘组比率较未干预组明显下降0.395±0.098(P＜0.05),PMA+BN-52021干预组PKCα比率为0.719±0.163,较PMA干预组(1.28±0.28)低(P＜0.05);哮喘各组T淋巴细胞胞膜与胞浆PKCα表达量的比率与IL-4 mRNA表达量的相关性分析(n=42,r=0.845,P＜0.01)显示呈明显正相关.结论银杏叶制剂对体外培养的哮喘大鼠T淋巴细胞因子IL-2、IL-4、IL-5的分泌均具有抑制作用,而对IL-2分泌的抑制作用相对较弱;银杏叶制剂对哮喘大鼠T淋巴细胞胞膜与胞浆PKCα的表达量比率具有明显的下调作用.     

Effect of Rumex steudelii methanolic root extract on ovarian folliculogenesis and uterine histology in female albino rats

Background

A substantial number of the world population especially that of the developing countries rely on herbal products to control their fertility since ancient times. Rumex steudelii Hochst is one of the traditionally used antifertility plants in Ethiopia. Previous studies showed that the methanolic root extract of the plant had reversible antifertility effect in experimental animals. However, no study had hitherto been done on the antifertility activity of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii on the ovary and uterus of female albino rats.

Objective

To investigate the quantitative aspects of follicular development in the ovaries and uterine histology in cyclic female albino rats to get further information on the possible mechanism of antifertility effect of the methanolic extract of R. steudelii.

Methods

The effect of the extract on uterine histology and ovarian follicular growth was determined after oral administration of the methanolic root extract of Rumex steudelii at 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 g/kg/day doses consecutively for 30 days.

Results

The extract significantly decreasing the number of healthy small antral, Graffian follicles and corpora lutea with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic follicles of the same stage in dose dependent manner. Treatment at 3.0 g/Kg dose level in addition caused a significant decrease in the number of healthy primary, small preantral and large preantral follicles with concomitant significant increase in the number of atretic primary follicles. The ovarian and uterine wet weights are reduced significantly. The extracts also caused a significant decrease in the epithelial cell height, myometrial and stromal thickness in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that the methanolic extract could cause atrophic changes in the uterus and disruption of ovarian folliculogenesis by inhibiting further development of the recruited ovarian follicles.     

Comparative anti-inflammatory properties of Capsaicin and ethyl-aAcetate extract of Capsicum frutescens linn [Solanaceae] in rats

Background

The analgesic effect of capsaicin (the active ingredient in Capsicum frutescens Linn. [Solanaceae]) had been reported in several studies. Current research is being directed at producing analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents with better side effect profile.

Objectives

To investigate if either the ethyl acetate extract of Capsicum frutescens Linn. [Solanaceae] (CFE) or capsaicin (Fluka Biotechnika-CPF) (in addition to the known analgesic properties) has any anti-inflammatory effect comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDS).

Methods

The effects of ethyl acetate extract of Capsicum frutescens Linn. [Solanaceae] (CFE) and capsaicin (Fluka Biotechnika-CPF) was examined on rat hind paw. Inflammation was induced in the rat''s hind paw by subplantar injections of fresh egg albumin (0.5 ml/kg). Diclofenac (100 mg/kg) was used as the reference anti-inflammatory agent for comparison, while distilled water was used as the placebo. The leucocytes count, corticosterone and C - reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured as biomarkers of inflammation. Data obtained were pooled and analysed using repeated ANOVA, in a general linear model with the CPSS software.

Results

Sub-plantar injections of fresh egg albumin (0.5 ml/kg) produced profound and time-related oedema in the rat hind paw of the ‘control’ rats. Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg/kg, i.p.) and reference capsaicin (CPF, 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited paw swelling at (p<0.05-0.001) (CI 95%) compared to distilled water-treated ‘controls’.While the corticosterone levels were all very low in 7 rats treated with capsaicin, the leucocytes count was within normal range in 9 rats. However, in 16 specimens randomly assigned for CRP levels, there were very high CRP readings, up to a magnitude of 10 times the normal range.

Conclusions

Capsaicin in both forms (CFE and CPF) produced anti-inflammatory effects that were comparable to diclofenac in the experimental rat model at p<0.05. It may be concluded that capsaicin has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis of GH, GHR,and IGF-1 genes in minipigs

Tibetan (TB) and Bama (BM) miniature pigs are two popular pig breeds that are used as experimental animals in China due to their small body size. Here, we analyzed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gene fragments that are closely related to growth traits [growth hormone (GH), growth hormone receptor (GHR), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1)] in these pig breeds and a large white (LW) control pig breed. On the basis of the analysis of 100 BMs, 108 TBs, and 50 LWs, the polymorphic distribution levels of GH, GHR, and IGF-1 were significantly different among these three pig breeds. According to correlation analyses between SNPs and five growth traits - body weight (BW), body length (BL), withers height (WH), chest circumference (CC), and abdomen circumference (AC) - three SNP loci in BMs and four SNP loci in TBs significantly affected growth traits. Three SNP sites in BMs and four SNP sites in TBs significantly affected growth traits. SNPs located in the GH gene fragment significantly affected BL and CC at locus 12 and BL at locus 45 in BMs, and also BW, WH, CC, and AC at locus 45 and WH and CC at locus 93 in TBs. One SNP at locus 85 in the BM GHR gene fragment significantly affected all growth traits. All indices were significantly reduced with a mixture of alleles at locus 85. These results provide more information regarding the genetic background of these minipig species and indicate useful selection markers for pig breeding programs.     

Effects of melatonin on DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rats

The antioxidant and free radical scavenger properties of melatonin have been welldescribed in the literature. In this study, our objective was to determine theprotective effect of the pineal gland hormone against the DNA damage induced bycyclophosphamide (CP), an anti-tumor agent that is widely applied in clinicalpractice. DNA damage was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injectionof CP (20 or 50 mg/kg). Animals received melatonin during the dark period for 15days (1 mg/kg in the drinking water). Rat bone marrow cells were used for thedetermination of chromosomal aberrations and of formamidopyrimidine DNAglycosylase enzyme (Fpg)-sensitive sites by the comet technique and ofXpf mRNA expression by qRT-PCR. The number (mean ± SE) ofchromosomal aberrations in pinealectomized (PINX) animals treated with melatoninand CP (2.50 ± 0.50/100 cells) was lower than that obtained for PINX animalsinjected with CP (12 ± 1.8/100 cells), thus showing a reduction of 85.8% in thenumber of chromosomal aberrations. This melatonin-mediated protection was alsoobserved when oxidative lesions were analyzed by the Fpg-sensitive assay, both24 and 48 h after CP administration. The expression of XpfmRNA, which is involved in the DNA nucleotide excision repair machinery, wasup-regulated by melatonin. The results indicate that melatonin is able toprotect bone marrow cells by completely blocking CP-induced chromosomeaberrations. Therefore, melatonin administration could be an alternative andeffective treatment during chemotherapy.     

Remnant B-cell-stimulative and anti-oxidative effects of Persea americana fruit extract studied in rats introduced into streptozotocin - induced hyperglycaemic state

Insulin-stimulative and anti-oxidative effects of Persea americana fruit extract were evaluated using streptozotocin (STZ). Ethanol extract of P. americana in the concentration of 300 mg/kg body weight/rat /day was orally administered to rats introduced into STZ-induced hyperglycaemic state for a period of 30 days. After the treatment with avocado fruit extract, the elevated levels of blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, blood urea and serum creatinine seen in the hyperglycaemic rats, reverted back to near normal. Similarly, significantly decreased plasma insulin and haemoglobin levels went back to near normal after the treatment, suggesting the insulin-stimulative effect of P. americana fruit. Determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydroperoxides and both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, confirmed the anti-oxidative potential of avocado fruit extract which, in turn, might be responsible for its hypoglycaemic potential. Changes in activities of enzymes such as serum aspartate transaminase (AST), serum alanine transaminase (ALT), and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) seen in the control and experimental rats, revealed the tissue-protective nature of Persea americana fruits, while all of the analysed biochemical parameters were comparable to those obtained with gliclazide as a standard reference drug.     

Effect of pollen typhae on inhibiting autophagy in spinal cord injury of rats and its mechanisms

Purpose: To investigate the effects and mechanism of pollen typhae on spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Methods: The SCI model was built and animals were randomly divided into three groups according to different concentrations of pollen typhae. Protein, mRNA, and fluorescence expression levels of light-chain-3 (LC-3) and Beclin-1 were determined by western blotting (WB), real-time PCR and immunofluorescence, along as Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mROT) by WB. The demyelination area and integrated optical density (IOD) were analyzed by luxol fast blue (LFB) and Nissl staining, respectively; Behavioral assessments were assessed by Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Results: Protein, mRNA, and fluorescence expression levels of LC-3 and Beclin-1 were significantly increased after SCI, while were obviously decreased by administration of pollen typhae, along with protein level of Akt and mROT. The demyelination area was significantly reduced, while IOD and BBB were significantly increased compared with the model group. Conclusion: Autophagic activity increased in damaged neural tissue after SCI, and pollen typhae have certain therapeutic effect on SCI, the higher concentration of pollen typhae, the more effective. Besides, pollen typhae also provided neuroprotective effect and improved locomotor function. The effects may be produced by blockade of Akt/mTOR pathway.     

Effect of aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchonii rhizome on some kidney and liver functional indicies of albino rats

Aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchonii Hook. Ef. x Planch rhizome was investigated for its toxic effects in albino rats using some liver and kidney functional indices as 'markers'. Thirty six albino rats weighing 200.08 ± 10.21 were randomly assinged into six groups (A-F) of six animals each. Animals in groups A-E were orally administered on daily basis with 1 ml of the extract corresponding to 50 mg/kg body weight of the extract for 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 days while those in the control group received orally 1 ml of distilled water. Rats in all the groups were sacrificed 24 hours after the completion of their respective doses. The extract significantly (P<0.05) decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in the liver leading to 80.95% loss by the end of the experimental period. While there was no consistent pattern in the kidney ALP activity and serum bilirubin level, the serum enzyme compared well (P>0.05) with the control value. There was no effect (P>0.05) on the acid phosphatase activity of the tissues and serum of the animals. The extract also reduced the urea, albumin and creatinine content in the serum of the animals. The alterations in the biochemical parameters by the aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchoni may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the liver and kidney of the animals. Therefore, the 50 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Cochlospermum planchoni rhizome may not be completley safe as an oral remedy.