Effect of dietary antioxidant on mercuric chloride induced lung toxicity and oxidative stress

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental contaminant mercuric chloride on levels of trace elements and oxidative parameters in rat lungs and to investigate the efficacy of possible protection by natural antioxidant diallylsulphide (DAS) against lung injury. Twenty-four healthy male rats were randomly divided into four groups: I – control, II – DAS (200?mg/kg), III – HgCl₂ (50?mg/kg), and IV – DAS (200?mg/kg) + HgCl₂ (50?mg/kg). Mercuric chloride induced oxidative stress was indicated by a significant decrease in levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase as compared to the control group (p–<0.05). Also, hydroxyproline (HYP) content in lung tissues of mercuric chloride-treated group was significantly increased (p?<?0.05). DAS markedly attenuated mercuric-induced biochemical alterations in lungs by upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes. These findings indicated that within the doses selected, DAS can provide significant protection against HgCl₂-induced toxicity.     

Pomegranate peel attenuates aluminum-induced hepatorenal toxicity

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the potential role of methanolic extract of pomegranate peel (MEPP) in modulating aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) induced hepatorenal toxicity in female rats. The effect of MEPP (200?mg/kg?bwt) on AlCl₃ (34?mg/kg?bwt) induced hepatorenal toxicity, accumulation of aluminum (Al), hepatorenal functions and oxidant/antioxidant status of liver and kidney were determined. The changes of liver and kidney structures were investigated with hematoxyline and eosin, in addition, the anti-apoptotic effect of MEPP was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The present study showed an indication of carcinogenicity in the AlCl₃ treated group represented by an increase in tumor necrosis factor-α and angiogenin and inflammation by inducing an increase in prostaglandin E2 and F2α. MEPP protected liver and kidney through reduce the Al accumulation, stimulated antioxidant activities and elevated the anti-apoptotic protein namely Bcl-2. Therefore, these results indicated that the methanolic extract of pomegranate peel has beneficial influences and could be able to inhibit Al-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alternations in liver and kidney of female rats, and these effects may be related to anti-apoptotic and antioxidant activities.     

Protective effects of pomegranate peel against hematotoxicity,chromosomal aberrations,and genotoxicity induced by barium chloride in adult rats

Context Pomegranate peel (PP) has health benefits including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimutagenic properties.

Objective This study investigated the biochemical composition and protective effects of PP against hematotoxicity and genotoxicity induced by barium chloride (BaCl₂) in adult rats.

Materials and methods Adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six each: control, barium (67?ppm via drinking water), PP (5% via diet), and their combination during 21 d. Oxidative stress was determined by MDA, AOPP, and antioxidant status: CAT, GPx, GSH, Vit C. Osmotic fragility (OF), chromosomal aberrations (CAs), and micronucleus (MN) assays were also studied.

Results PP showed a rich composition of antioxidant compounds. DPPH test found IC₅₀ value=?5.3?μg/mL and a high polysaccharides content (315?±?5?mg/g of extract). In vivo study showed a decrease in red blood cells (70%) and platelet counts (46%), hemoglobin content (8%), hematocrit percent (7%), and an 80% increase of white blood cells in Ba-treated rats. A reduction in antioxidant status: catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, glutathione, and vitamin C levels by 31, 21, 28, and 29%, respectively, and an increase in MDA (46%) and AOPP levels (72%) were also observed compared with controls. BaCl₂-treatment showed a significant increase in the frequencies of total chromosomal aberrations with abnormal metaphases and micronucleus in bone-marrow cells. Oxidative stress induced by BaCl₂ might be the major cause for chromosomal abnormalities leading to DNA damage.

Discussion and conclusion A decrease in hematotoxic and genotoxic effects induced by PP is due to its powerful antioxidant capacity.     

Hesperidin attenuates altered redox homeostasis in an experimental hyperlipidaemic model of rat

Diets rich in saturated fats and cholesterol contribute to the incidence of hyperlipidaemia. An altered lipid profile is a major factor responsible for the development of CVD. Male Wistar rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) (suspension (w/v) of 0.5% cholesterol, 3% coconut oil and 0.25% cholic acid for 30 days) to induce an experimental hyperlipidaemic model. High-fat diet fed rats were also supplemented with hesperidin (100 mg/kg body weight). The present study reports reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidative stress parameters: malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), oxidation of plasma protein (AOPP), and advance glycation end products (AGEs); antioxidant defence parameters: ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), reduced glutathione (GSH), Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), plasma membrane redox system (PMRS); general biochemical parameters: triglyceride, cholesterol, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), fasting insulin, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (Homa-IR) index, and inflammatory biomarkers: interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Experimental hyperlipidaemia was found to be associated with significantly higher body weight (27.58%), cholesterol (140%), triglyceride (190%), and fasting glucose level (37%). Reactive oxygen species production (67%), MDA (28.9%), AOPP (31.42%), PCO (58.53%), and PMRS (156%), inflammatory markers, cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, were elevated and GSH (50%), PON 1 (37.07%), and FRAP (26.58%) activity were significantly (P < .05) lower in the high-fat diet group. Hesperidin supplementation protected HFD-fed rats from oxidative damage. Our findings indicate that the supplementation of hesperidin provides protection against redox imbalance induced by hyperlipidaemia in rats.     

Evidence for renal ischaemia as a cause of mercuric chloride nephrotoxicity

 The present study was undertaken to investigate if the source of oxidative stress and the renal injury produced by mercuric chloride could be renal ischaemia. Verapamil Vp was used because it was described that calcium channel blockers protect cells from nephrotoxicants and from ischaemia. Vp (75 μg/kg, i.v.; 30 min before HgCl₂ injection) prevented mercuric chloride renal injury observed 1 h post-HgCl₂ injection as measured by clearance techniques. Vp also prevented the diminution of non-protein-sulfhydryls (NPSH) and the increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced by HgCl₂ in renal tissue. Hg²⁺ toxicokinetic alterations were not observed in Vp plus HgCl₂ treated rats, nor was Vp ability found as a free radical scavenger in renal tissue homogenates. The results described in this study give some evidence for the role of renal ischaemia in the production of oxidative stress, generating LPO and functional and morphological renal injury described in mercuric chloride treated rats. Received: 17 October 1994/Accepted: 5 January 1995     

Chronic Exposure to Low Doses of Mercury Impairs Sperm Quality and Induces Oxidative Stress in Rats

Mercury (Hg) is a widespread environmental pollutant that adversely affects the male reproductive system. The precise mechanisms underlying mercuric chloride (HgCl₂)-induced toxicity are not fully understood; however, evidence indicates that oxidative stress may be involved in this process. Although the adverse effects of high levels of inorganic Hg on the male reproductive system have been investigated, the effects of low levels of exposure are unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to low concentrations of HgCl₂ on sperm parameters, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity of male rats. Three-month-old male Wistar rats were treated for 30 d and divided into groups: control (saline, i.m.) and HgCl₂ group (i.m., first dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07 μg/kg/d). Sperm parameters (count, motility and morphology) and biomarkers of oxidative stress in testis, epididymis, prostate, and vas deferens were analyzed. Mercury treatment produced a reduction in sperm quantity (testis and epididymis) and daily sperm production, following by decrease in sperm motility and increase on head and tail morphologic abnormalities. HgCl₂ exposure was correlated with enhanced oxidative stress in reproductive organs, represented not only by augmented lipid peroxidation but also by changes in antioxidant enzymes activity superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and nonprotein thiol levels. In conclusion, chronic exposure to low doses of Hg impaired sperm quality and adversely affected male reproductive functions, which may be due, at least in part, to enhanced oxidative stress.     

The potential effect of berberine in mercury-induced hepatorenal toxicity in albino rats

Mercury (Hg) is the third most dangerous heavy metal after arsenic and lead. Mercury’s toxicity brings serious risks to health through negative pathological and biochemical effects. The study was designed to investigate the possible protective role of berberine (BN) in mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) induced oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues. Adult male albino Wistar rats were exposed to mercuric chloride (HgCl₂; 0.4 mg/kg bwt) for 7 days. Treatment with HgCl₂ induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production along with a concomitant decrease in glutathione and various antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. HgCl₂ intoxication increased the activities of liver enzymes and the bilirubin level, in addition to the levels of urea and creatinine in serum. BN (100 mg/kg bwt) treatment inhibited lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production, whereas it increased glutathione content. Activities of antioxidants enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, were also restored concomitantly when compared to control after BN administration. BN also inhibited the apoptotic effect of HgCl₂ by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 protein in liver and kidney. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney tissues proved the protective effect of BN against HgCl₂ toxicity. These results demonstrated that BN augments antioxidant defense against HgCl₂-induced toxicity and provides evidence that it has therapeutic potential as hepato- and reno-protective agent.     

Ameliorative stroke of selenium against toxicological effects of mercuric chloride in liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Mercury, a prevalent and unrelenting toxin, occurs in a variety of forms in freshwater as well as, in marine life. Mercury is an important inducer of oxidative stress in fish leading to formation of reactive oxygen species. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and has antagonistic effect against mercuric toxicity in fishes. Present study has been made to evaluate toxic effect of HgCl₂ (0.15 mg/L) on liver of freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bl.). Protective ability of selenium has been investigated by simultaneous exposure of fish with sodium selenite (0.15 mg/L) along with mercuric chloride. For present study Fishes were divided into three groups of ten fishes each the first group served as control, while the second group fish were exposed to HgCl₂. Animals of third group were treated with HgCl₂ and Na₂SeO₃. Results reveal that mercury induced lipid peroxidation and in response to this, antioxidants reduced glutathione (GSH) and Catalase (CAT) were reduced whereas, Glutathione reductase (GR) level was enhanced. These antioxidants scavenge the reactive oxygen radicals. Hg induced histopathological damage and elevation in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and transaminases and reduction in protein and glucose contents were evidently seen in catfish liver. Intriguingly, results indicate that under stress of mercury, the fish actively generate oxidative stress and antioxidant responses, which can be used as biomarkers of pollution. Simultaneous exposure to Selenium along with Hg suppressed Hg uptake and lipid peroxidation. Histological architecture and all biochemical parameters were maintained near normal in the presence of selenium in liver of the catfish. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 927–936, 2015.     

Melatonin Protects Against Mercury(II)‐Induced Oxidative Tissue Damage in Rats

Abstract: Mercury exerts a variety of toxic effects in the body. Lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and depletion of reduced glutathione by Hg(II) suggest an oxidative stress‐like mechanism for Hg(II) toxicity. Melatonin, the main secretory product of the pineal gland, was recently found to be a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. N‐Acetylcysteine, a precursor of reduced glutathione and an antioxidant, is used in the therapy of acute heavy metal poisoning. In this study the protective effects of melatonin in comparison to that of N‐acetylcysteine against Hg‐induced oxidative damage in the kidney, liver, lung and brain tissues were investigated. Wistar albino rats of either sex (200–250 g) were divided into six groups, each consisting of 8 animals. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with 1) 0.9% NaCl, control (C) group; 2) a single dose of 5 mg/kg mercuric chloride (HgCl₂), Hg group; 3) melatonin in a dose of 10 mg/kg, 1 hr after HgCl₂ injection, Hg‐melatonin group; 4) melatonin in a dose of 10 mg/kg one day before and 1 hr after HgCl₂ injection, melatonin‐Hg‐melatonin group; 5) N‐acetylcysteine in a dose of 150 mg/kg, 1 hr after HgCl₂ injection, Hg‐N‐acetylcysteine group, and 6) N‐acetylcysteine in a dose of 150 mg/kg one day before and 1 hr after HgCl₂ injection, N‐acetylcysteine‐Hg‐N‐acetylcysteine group. Animals were killed by decapitation 24 hr after the injection of HgCl₂. Tissue samples were taken for determination of malondialdehyde, an end‐product of lipid peroxidation; glutathione (GSH), a key antioxidant, and myeloperoxidase activity, an index of neutrophil infiltration. The results revealed that HgCl₂ induced oxidative tissue damage, as evidenced by increases in malondialdehyde levels. Myeloperoxidase activity was also increased, and GSH levels were decreased in the liver, kidney and the lungs. All of these effects were reversed by melatonin or N‐acetylcysteine treatment. Since melatonin or N‐acetylcysteine administration reversed these responses, it seems likely that melatonin or N‐acetylcysteine can protect all these tissues against HgCl₂‐induced oxidative damage.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Leucas aspera against d-galactosamine induced liver damage in rats

Context: Whole plant of Leucas aspera (LA) Willd. (Labiatae) is traditionally used in Siddha medicine for hepatic ailments.

Objective: LA was investigated for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and protective effect on microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes (MDMEs).

Materials and methods: LA aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated for its hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity in d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Biochemical and histopathological studies were performed to assess hepatoprotective activity. Hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time model was used to study the protective effect of LA on MDMEs.

Results: d-GalN administration induced hepatotoxicity in rats which was manifested by increased levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, total bilirubin and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with LA extract significantly protected the liver in d-GalN administered rats. LA extract significantly elevated antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in liver. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in LA aqueous extract was found to be 28.33 ± 0.19 gallic acid equivalents mg/g of extract and 3.96 ± 0.57 rutin equivalent mg/g of extract, respectively. LA extract (200 and 400 mg/Kg) treatment with CCl₄ decreased the hexobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice by 56.67 and 71.30%, respectively, which indicated the protective effect of LA on hepatic MDMEs. Histological studies showed that LA at 400 mg/kg attenuated the hepatocellular necrosis in d-GalN intoxicated rats.

Conclusion: Our results contribute towards validation of the traditional use of LA in hepatic disorders.     

Nanoparticle formulation increases Syzygium cumini antioxidant activity in Candida albicans-infected diabetic rats

Context: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, studies on the use of this plant and of nanoparticle formulations against DM-related fungal infections are scarce.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the treatments with aqueous seed extract of S. cumini (ASc) and ASc-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPASc) on biochemical parameters in Candida albicans-infected diabetic rats.

Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups: Control, DM, C. albicans, C. albicans?+?ASc, C. albicans?+?NPASc, DM?+?C. albicans, DM?+?C. albicans?+?ASc and DM?+?C. albicans?+?NPASc. Rats were daily treated with ASc or NPASc (100?mg/kg) for 21 days. Biochemical parameters in serum and urine, advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) and TBARS levels in the serum, kidney, liver and pancreas and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities in kidney and urine were evaluated.

Results: Biochemical and oxidative stress parameters increased in rats with DM and/or candidiasis. NPASc was more effective than ASc in decreasing glucose (56%), cholesterol (33%) and creatinine (51%) levels; serum (16%) and pancreatic (46%) AOPP and renal (48%) TBARS levels when compared with DM?+?C. albicans group. In C. albicans group, both treatments decreased NAG activity but did not decrease creatinine levels.

Conclusions: These data suggest that the use of nanotechnology is able to improve plant extract properties such as antioxidant activity that may be useful in diabetes-related complications.     

Hepatoprotective effects of Juglans regia extract against CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats

Abstract

Context: Different parts of the walnut [Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae)] have been used in folk medicine for protection against liver injury, although its actual efficacy remains uncertain.

Objective: The present study investigated the protective effect of walnut leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

Materials and methods: The rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, CCl₄ (i.p., 0.5?mL/kg b.w., 50% CCl₄ in olive oil), walnut extract (at dose level of 0.2?g/kg b.w.) alone, walnut extract (at dose levels of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4?g/kg b.w.) with CCl₄, and treatment was carried out accordingly. On the 28th day, rats were sacrificed and blood was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. Liver damage was assessed by serum biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and albumin), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and histopathological observation.

Results: Administration of walnut leaf extract (ranging from 0.2 to 0.4?g/kg b.w.) significantly lowered serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels in CCl₄-treated rats. Walnut leaf extract increased antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. Histopathological examination of livers showed that walnut leaves extract reduced fatty degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization and necrosis in CCl₄-treated rats.

Discussion and conclusion: These results suggest that walnut extract has a protective effect over CCl₄-induced oxidative damage in rat liver. These results demonstrate that walnut extract acts as a good hepatoprotective and antioxidant agent in attenuating hepatocellular damage.     

Pomegranate peel extract prevents liver fibrosis in biliary-obstructed rats

Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is a widely used plant that has high nutritional value. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of chronic administration of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. PPE (50 mg kg(-1)) or saline was administered orally for 28 days. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined to assess liver function and tissue damage. Proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1 beta) in the serum and antioxidant capacity (AOC) were measured in plasma samples. Samples of liver tissue were taken for measurement of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and collagen content. Production of reactive oxidants was monitored by chemiluminescence assay. Serum AST, ALT, LDH and cytokines were elevated in the BDL group compared with the control group; this increase was significantly decreased by PPE treatment. Plasma AOC and hepatic GSH levels were significantly depressed by BDL but were increased back to control levels in the PPE-treated BDL group. Increases in tissue MDA levels and MPO activity due to BDL were reduced back to control levels by PPE treatment. Similarly, increased hepatic collagen content in the BDL rats was reduced to the level of the control group with PPE treatment. Thus, chronic PPE administration alleviated the BDL-induced oxidative injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function. It therefore seems likely that PPE, with its antioxidant and antifibrotic properties, may be of potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver from fibrosis and oxidative injury due to biliary obstruction.     

Urtica dioica attenuates ovalbumin-induced inflammation and lipid peroxidation of lung tissues in rat asthma model

Context: To find bioactive medicinal herbs exerting anti-asthmatic activity, we investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Urtica dioica L. (Urticaceae) leaves (UD), the closest extract to the Algerian traditional use.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the in vivo anti-asthmatic and antioxidant activities of nettle extract.

Materials and methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I: negative control; group II: Ovalbumin sensitized/challenged rats (positive control); group III: received UD extract (1.5?g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol; group IV: received UD extract (1.5?g/kg/day) orally along the experimental protocol and sensitized/challenged with ovalbumin. After 25?days, blood and tissue samples were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. The oxidative stress parameters were evaluated in the lungs, liver and erythrocytes. Then, correlations between markers of airway inflammation and markers of oxidative stress were explored.

Results: UD extract significantly (p?p?50 value.

Conclusions: The results confirmed that UD administration might be responsible for the protective effects of this extract against airway inflammation.     

Preparation method and stability of ellagic acid-rich pomegranate fruit peel extract

A simple one-step purification using liquid–liquid extraction for preparing pomegranate peel extract rich in ellagic acid has been demonstrated. The method involved partitioning of the 10% v/v water in methanol extract of pomegranate peel between ethyl acetate and 2% aqueous acetic acid. This method was capable of increasing the ellagic acid content of the extract from 7.06% to 13.63% w/w. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extract evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay was also increased (ED₅₀ from 38.21 to 14.91?μg/mL). Stability evaluations of the ellagic acid-rich pomegranate peel extract in several conditions through a period of four months found that the extracts were stable either kept under light or protected from light. The extracts were also stable under 4° ± 2°C, 30° ± 2°C and accelerated conditions at 45°C with 75% relative humidity. However, study on the effect of pH on stability of the extract in the form of solution revealed that the extract was not stable in all tested pH (5.5, 7 and 8). These results indicated that the ellagic acid-rich pomegranate peel extract was stable when it was kept as dried powder, but it was not stable in any aqueous solution.     

Oral administration of alkaloid fraction from Ruta graveolens inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Abstract

Context: The anti-atherogenic effect of alkaloid fraction from Ruta graveolens Linn (Rutaceae) extract is suspected to be related to its activities of antioxidation and anti-inflammation.

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy of alkaloid fraction isolated from Ruta graveolens (AFR) in reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in hypercholesteremic rabbits.

Materials and methods: The New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: Group I rabbits were fed with normal chow diet for 90?d. Group II rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol-enriched diet. Group III rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol-enriched diet together with AFR (10?mg/kg/daily for 90?d).

Results and discussion: The results showed that on treatment with AFR significantly lowered the level of total cholesterol and LDL-C and showed an increment in the level of HDL-C. LD₅₀ of the AFR in rats is greater than 525?mg/kg. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and GSH level were decreased in cholesterol-fed rabbit and supplementation of AFR significantly enhanced the activities of these antioxidant enzymes and GSH level. Increased activities of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2, 15-lipoxygenase and myeloperoxidase were significantly suppressed by AFR administration. The acute phase proteins, total WBC count and TBARS concentrations were significantly increased by hypercholesteromic diet, which were significantly decreased by AFR treatment. Histopathological studies of aorta in cholesterol-fed rabbit showed plaque formation and significant changes in aortic wall. Administration of AFR showed no changes in aortic wall.

Conclusion: AFR reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and reduces the aortic pathology in hypercholesteromic rabbits.     

Effect of metal exposure in rats: amelioration by diallylsulphide

The effect of diallylsuphide (DAS) was investigated on mercuric chloride (HgCl₂)-induced renal damage in rats. Oral administration of DAS (200?mg/kg) effectively inhibited the levels of antioxidant enzymes as compared to HgCl₂-treated group. Exposure to HgCl₂ also resulted in an increase in the uric acid, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. A significant decrease in the uric acid, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen was also observed in DAS-pre-treated HgCl₂ group. The results suggest that DAS possesses significant potential as nephroprotective agent.     

Nitraria retusa fruit prevents penconazole-induced kidney injury in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes

Context: Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. (Nitrariaceae) is a medicinal plant which produces edible fruits whose antioxidant activity has been demonstrated.

Objective: The current study elucidates the potential protective effect of N. retusa fruit aqueous extract against nephrotoxicity induced by penconazole, a triazole fungicide, in the kidney of adult rats.

Materials and methods: Adult Wistar rats were exposed either to penconazole (67?mg/kg body weight), or to N. retusa extract (300?mg/kg body weight) or to their combination. Penconazole was administered by intra-peritoneal injection every 2 days from day 7 until day 15, the sacrifice day, while N. retusa extract was administered daily by gavage during 15 days. Oxidative stress parameters, kidney biomarkers and histopathological examination were determined.

Results: Nitraria retusa extract administration to penconazole treated rats decreased kidney levels of malondialdehyde (?10%), hydrogen peroxide (?12%), protein carbonyls (PCOs, ?11%) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP, ?16%); antioxidant enzyme activities: catalase (?13%), superoxide dismutase (?8%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, ?14%), and the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: non-protein thiols (?9%), glutathione (?7%) and metallothionein (?12%). Furthermore, this plant extract prevented kidney biomarker changes by reducing plasma levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and LDH and increasing those of ALP and GGT. Histopathological alterations induced by penconazole (glomeruli fragmentation, Bowman’s space enlargement, tubular epithelial cells necrosis and infiltration of inflammatory leucocytes) were attenuated following N. retusa administration.

Discussion and conclusion: Our results indicated that N. retusa fruit extract had protective effects against penconazole-induced kidney injury, which could be attributed to its phenolic compounds.     

Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in rats

Abstract

Context: Ultraviolet radiation (UV) was reported to cause oxidative stress. Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) calyx is commonly used in traditional Asian and African medicines and possesses strong antioxidant capacity due to its anthocyanin (ANTH) content.

Objective: This study researched the possible protective role of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract (HSCE) in UVC exposure of rats.

Material and methods: Levels of serum enzymes, renal function tests, and some oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers of skin, lens, and retina tissues were monitored. Rats were exposed to UVC 4?h daily for 40?d and simultaneously received HSCE containing 2.5, 5, and 10?mg doses of ANTH in drinking water.

Results: Significant (p?<?0.05) increases in the levels of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, and uric acid were noted after UVC exposure. In skin, lens, and retina tissues, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation escalated markedly (p?<?0.05) whereas total antioxidant status, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase decreased dramatically (p?<?0.05) related to UVC. Co-administration of HSCE with each ANTH dose significantly (p?<?0.05) reversed aforementioned parameters (except total oxidant status) almost in all tissues. The LD₅₀ of HSCE in rats was determined to be above 5000?mg/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: Our data revealed that HSCE has a remarkable potential to counteract UVC-caused impairments, probably through its antioxidant and free radical-defusing effects. Therefore, HSCE could be useful against some cutaneous and ocular diseases in which UV and oxidative stress have a role in the etiopathogenesis.     

Protective effect of Dunaliella sp., lipid extract rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids,on hepatic and renal toxicity induced by nickel in rats

Aims: The present study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of lipid extract of Dunaliella sp. (LE) rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), against oxidative stress induced by nickel in experimental rats.

Methods: Our investigation evaluated the antioxidant activity of LE using both DPPH and NBT assays. Twenty female albino Wistar rats, randomly allocated into four experimental groups, namely (C): control, (Ni_t): nickel-treated rats with 5?mg/kg/d of NiCl₂ during 30 days, (LE_a): lipid extract-administered rats with 5 mg/kg BW/d during 30 days and (Ni_t?+_?LE_a): rats treated with Ni and LE-administered during 30 days.

Results: The in vitro antioxidant activity demonstrated that LE presents an important antioxidant potential. In vivo, the (Ni_t?+_?LE_a) cotreatment decreased the level of malondialdehyde and restored the antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in livers and kidneys in comparison with those treated with Ni only. LE administration to rats treated with Ni also ameliorated biochemical and histological parameters as compared to only Ni-treated group. LE of Dunaliella sp., rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a significant hepato- and reno-protective effect against metal-induced toxicity.

Conclusion: LE of Dunaliella sp., rich in PUFA has been proven to be effective in protection against Ni-induced toxicity.