Effect of bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata on hepatic oxidative damage and blood glucose kinetics in rats exposed to paraquat

This study investigated the effect of bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata on hepatic oxidative damage and blood glucose kinetics in rats exposed to paraquat. Wistar rats were exposed to a single dose of paraquat (30 mg/kg, i.p.) and treated with an ethanolic extract of Bathysa cuspidata (200 and 400 mg/kg). Analyses were conducted of liver edema, blood glucose, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, collagen, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and histomorphometry. In the animals intoxicated with paraquat and treated with 400 mg/kg of extract, edema, hypertrophy of the nucleus of hepatocytes, serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly (p < .05). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, the number of hepatocytes per unit volume, and the glycogen proportion were maintained. The increase followed by progressive reduction of blood glucose observed in paraquat-exposed groups was significantly attenuated in the group treated with 400 mg/kg of extract (p < .05). Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic compounds. The bark extract of Bathysa cuspidata was able to inhibit large variations in blood glucose and reduce hepatic damage in rats exposed to paraquat. This finding suggests a contribution of the extract in reducing lipid peroxidation and the morphofunctional damage to the liver parenchyma.     

Effect of green tea on iron status and oxidative stress in iron-loaded rats

Plasma non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI) is potentially toxic and contributes to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Iron chelators and antioxidants are used for treatment of thalassemia patients. Green tea (GT) contains catechins derivatives that have many biological activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the iron-chelating and free-radical scavenging capacities of green tea extract in vivo. Rats were injected ip with ferric citrate together with orally administered GT extract (GTE) for 4 months. Blood was collected monthly for measurement of iron overload and oxidative stress indicators. Plasma iron (PI) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were quantified using bathophenanthroline method. Plasma NTBI was assayed with NTA chelation/HPLC. Plasma malonyldialdehyde (MDA) was determined by using the TBARS method. Erythrocyte oxidative stress was assessed using flow cytometry. Levels of PI, TIBC, NTBI and MDA, and erythrocyte ROS increased in the iron-loaded rats. Intervention with GT extract markedly decreased the PI and TIBC concentrations. It also lowered the transferrin saturation and effectively inhibited formation of NTBI. It also decreased the levels of erythrocyte ROS in week 4, 12 and 16. Therefore, green tea extract can decrease iron in plasma as well as eliminate lipid peroxidation in plasma, and destroy formation of erythrocyte ROS in the rats challenged with iron. The bifunctional effects could be beneficial in alleviating the iron and oxidative stress toxicity. In prospective, these GTE activities should be further examined in thalassemic animals or humans.     

Effect of ozonized normal saline on biochemical parameters of the liver in malignant growth

Injection of ozonized normal saline to animals with transplanted sarcoma-45 normalized energy metabolism in the liver, which is important for this organ's function under conditions of malignant growth. Translated fromByulleten' Eksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 126, No. 8, pp. 207–209, August, 1998     

Proinflammatory and prothrombotic status in emphysematous rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia

Objectives: To develop an “overlap syndrome (OS)” rat model by intermittent hypoxia (IH) exposure on the base of pre-existing emphysema, and to explore whether “OS” exposure results in more severe systemic inflammation, and whether the inflammation changes levels of coagulant/anticoagulant factors and oxidative stress status. Methods: Sixty Wistar rats were put into 4 groups: Control group; IH group, IH exposure; Emphysema group, smoke exposure; Overlap group, smoke exposure and IH exposure. We obtained peripheral blood for apoptosis of CD3⁺CD4⁺, CD3⁺CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and neutrophils, and for endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) counts. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and coagulant/anticoagulant factors [antithrombin (AT), fibrinogen (FIB), Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (vWF)] were evaluated. We also obtained tissue blocks of lung, liver, pancreas, and right carotid artery for pathologic scoring and measurements of liver oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration]. Results: The levels of TNF-α and IL-6, CD3⁺CD4⁺ T lymphocyte apoptosis, EPC counts, coagulant factors and MDA are the highest in Overlap group, the lowest in Control group, when the levels of neutrophil apoptosis, CD3⁺CD8⁺ T lymphocyte apoptosis, AT, SOD and CAT are the lowest in Overlap group, the highest in Control group (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion: In model animals, when IH is combined with emphysema, there will be a more severe or an “overlapped” systemic/multiple organic inflammation, oxidative stress and hyper-coagulability. And the pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic status resulted from “OS” exposure may elicit a robust EPC mobilization, which needs further investigation.     

Melatonin and CAPE are able to prevent the liver from oxidative damage in rats: an ultrastructural and biochemical study

The liver continuously produces free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part of metabolic process. These free radicals are neutralized by an elaborate antioxidant defense system consisting of enzymes and numerous nonenzymatic antioxidants like flavonoids. In this study, we have evaluated effects of melatonin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) to young and aged rat liver. Aging-related hepatic changes examined by light and electron microscopy and biochemical methods. Melatonin and CAPE decreased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in aged rats. Melatonin elevated tissue glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity and tGSH level, whereas CAPE elevated tissue catalase activity in aged rats. This study demonstrates that both melatonin and CAPE are beneficial in delaying age-related hepatocellular changes. Melatonin and CAPE supplementation in older ages may support liver to protect itself from various damaging agents including infectious agents and toxins.     

灯盏花素对糖尿病大鼠肝、肾组织氧化应激的影响

目的：探讨灯盏花素对糖尿病大鼠肝、肾组织氧化应激的影响。方法： 建立STZ诱导的糖尿病模型，随机分3组：正常对照组、模型组、灯盏花素给药组。8周后应用HE、油红O染色对肝组织、PAS染色对肾组织作病理检查。分光光度法检测肝、肾组织丙二醛(MDA)含量及抗氧化物酶活性。结果： HE染色显示模型组部分肝细胞脂肪变性，评分为1.54±0.65，灯盏花素给药组评分为0.55±0.43，差异高度显著(P<0.01)。油红O染色模型组肝组织评分为2.11±0.82，灯盏花素给药组为0.75±0.66，差异高度显著(P<0.01)。模型组大鼠肾重、肾重/体重、24 h尿白蛋白排泄率(AER)与肾小球面积(AG)、肾小球容量(VG) 及系膜区面积(AM)均明显增加，灯盏花素给药组这些改变减轻。灯盏花素给药组肝、肾组织MDA含量明显低于模型组(P<0.05，P<0.01)。超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性明显高于模型组(P<0.05，P<0.01)。结论： 灯盏花素对糖尿病大鼠肝、肾组织有明显保护作用，其机制部分可能与抑制肝、肾组织氧化应激增加有关。     

Pulmonary hemodynamics and blood parameters in rats exposed to long-term high-altitude hypoxia

Laboratory of Physiology of the Circulation, Institute of Physiology, Siberian Branch, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Novosibirsk. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR V. A. Matyukhin.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 107, No. 5, pp. 526–528, May, 1989.     

Effect of lactation induction on milk production and composition,oxidative and antioxidant status,and biochemical variables

This study aimed to induce lactation in Lacaune sheep and to verify its influence on milk production and composition, oxidative/antioxidant profile, and biochemical variables in serum and milk. A group of ewes (group A, n?=?7) was induced with estradiol (0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and progesterone (1.25 mg/kg BW) on days 1 to 7, bovine somatotropin (BST; 250 mg/animal) on days 11 and 40, as well as dexamethasone (16 mg/day) on days 19, 20, and 21. For comparison, another group of pregnant ewes was used as control (group B, n?=?5). Blood and milk samples were collected for biochemical analysis, oxidative/antioxidant profile analysis, and determination of individual volume and chemical composition. The hormonal protocol was effective to induce lactation; however, milk production was 79 % lower than the control group. Milk fat, protein, and total solids were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in group A when compared to group B. Hormonal induction caused changes in blood components such as increased amounts of albumin, ALT, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and decreased urea compared to the control group. Seric antioxidant levels (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), group A) were significantly increased, and reactive species of oxygen decreased dramatically compared to group B. Milk FRAP levels were lower in group A, and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels were higher compared to group B. Therefore, it was concluded that the protocol for lactation induction of Lacaune ewes was not effective in the biochemical change in blood and milk.     

Effects of dermal exposure to chlorpyrifos on liver and brain structures and biochemical parameters in rabbits

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide, inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterse resulting in the accumulation of acetylcholine at the nerve endings. In the present research chlorpyrifos was administered via dermal contact to New Zealand white rabbits to determine its effects on biochemical indices on the rabbits as well as the pathological changes in their liver and brain. Twelve adult male rabbits were randomly assigned to two equal groups (N?=?6; treatment and control group). The treatment group received chlorpyrifos via dermal contact at the doses of 50?mg per kilogram body weight everyday during the first week. The daily doses for the second, third, and fourth weeks were 100, 250, and 400?mg/kg body weight, respectively. The control group received ethyl alcohol as the solvent of chlorpyrifos during the same period. Blood samples from marginal ear vein of both groups were collected on days?0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Statistical study revealed that chlorpyrifos has harmful effects on the biochemical indices of the treated rabbits. These changes included significant increase in the level of ALP, AST, ALT, and cholesterol in the serum (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). Also significant decrease was observed in triglyceride and total protein level of the serum in the treatment group as compared with the control group (p?<?0.05). On day?28, the rabbits in both groups were euthanized. Histopathological changes including necrosis of hepatocytes, infiltration of lymphocyte cells, hyperemia, and proliferation of fibroblasts were observed in liver tissue of the exposed rabbits. In addition, necrosis of neuron, encephalitis (perivascular cuffing), hyperemia in blood vessels, gliosis, and necrosis of Purkinje cells in cerebellum were seen in the brain sections. The study confirmed that organophosphate intoxication from chlorpyrifos can occur via dermal exposure. Dermal contact to chlorpyrifos can have toxic effects on biochemical indices. It can also have pathologic effects on the liver and brain tissue.     

Changes in the liver of rats exposed in utero to chronic hypoxia

Central Research Laboratory, Khabarovsk Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR S. V. Severin.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 110, No. 11, pp. 541–543, November, 1990.     

Effect of heparin on activity of oxidative enzyme systems of liver microsomes in healthy rats and rats with experimental glomerulonephritis

To study the effect of heparin on activity of the oxidative enzyme systems of the liver microsomes of healthy rats and of rats with glomerulonephritis the hexobarbital test was carried out, the content of cytochrome P₄₅₀ in the liver and the relative weight of the liver were determined, and a histological and histochemical investigation of the liver was undertaken. Heparin was found to stimulate the detoxicating function of the liver, disturbed in experimental glomerulonephritis.Central Postgraduate Medical Institute, Moscow. N. I. Pirogov Second Moscow State Medical Institute. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR P. D. Gorizontov.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 85, No. 4, pp. 412–414, April, 1978.     

Distribution and activity of glutathione reductase in the liver of adult rats following embryonic exposure to paraquat

Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR. Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, Novosibirsk. Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 111, No. 3, pp. 262–264, March, 1991.     

金丝桃苷对CCl4诱导大鼠急性肝损伤抗氧化应激研究

目的研究金丝桃苷（Hyp）对四氯化碳（CCI。）诱导大鼠急性肝损伤的治疗作用。方法采用大鼠CCl4急性肝损伤模型,观察Hyp对急性肝损伤大鼠肝脏组织病理学改变的影响;检测肝组织匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶（T-SOD）、谷胱甘肽（GSH）的活性及丙二醛（MDA）含量变化。结果CCl4模型组大鼠肝组织HE染色病理检测结果见明显炎症变性死及纤维组织增生现象;Hyp高剂量60mg／kg、中剂量30mg／kg治疗组的肝组织病理改变明显改善;Hyp治疗组肝组织中T—SOD、GSH活性明显升高,MDA含量明显降低,并存在量效关系。结论Hyp对CCl4引起的大鼠急性肝损伤有较好的治疗作用,其机制可能与其抗氧化活性有关。     

Effects of two aerobic exercise training protocols on parameters of oxidative stress in the blood and liver of obese rats

We evaluated the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols on the alterations in oxidative stress parameters caused by a high-fat diet (HFD), in the blood and liver of rats. The HFD enhanced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyl content, while reducing total sulfhydryl content and catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in the blood. Both training protocols prevented an increase in TBA-RS and protein carbonyl content, and prevented a reduction in CAT. HIIT protocol enhanced SOD activity. In the liver, HFD didn’t alter TBA-RS, total sulfhydryl content or SOD, but increased protein carbonyl content and CAT and decreased GSH-Px. The exercise protocols prevented the increase in protein carbonyl content and the MICT protocol prevented an alteration in CAT. In conclusion, HFD elicits oxidative stress in the blood and liver and both protocols prevented most of the alterations in the oxidative stress parameters.