The effect of combined treatment with niacin and chromium (III) chloride on the different tissues of hyperlipemic rats

We investigated the effects of a combined treatment with chromium (Cr) and niacin on the spleen, tongue, and lens tissues in terms of lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), serum catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum cholesterol, and total lipid levels in normal and hyperlipemic rats. In this study, female 1-year-old Swiss albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I rats (control) were fed with standard pellet chow. Group II rats were fed a lipogenic diet in which 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid, and 20% sunflower oil were added and were given 3% alcoholic water for 60 days. Group III rats were fed with the same lipogenic diet and were treated with a dose of 250 microg/kg body weight CrCI3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg body weight niacin, for 45 days, by gavage. The rats in group IV were fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 microg/kg body weight CrCI3 x 6H2O and 100 mg/kg body weight niacin, by gavage, for 45 days. After 2 weeks, the animals showed symptoms of hyperlipemia. On the 60th day, tissue and blood samples were taken. We have observed decreased CAT activity and GSH levels, increased LDH activity, cholesterol, total lipid, and LPO levels in hyperlipemic rats. Niacin and Cr administration to hyperlipemic rats increased tissue GSH levels and CAT activity and decreased tissue LPO levels and LDH activity, cholesterol, and total lipid levels compared with hyperlipemic rats. We conclude that the administration of a combination of niacin and chromium has a protective effect against oxidative damage to tongue, lens, and spleen tissues as a result of hyperlipemia.     

Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the liver of diabetic rats: a morphological and biochemical study

Parsley is used by diabetics in Turkey to reduce blood glucose. The present study aims to investigate both the morphological and biochemical effects of parsley on liver tissue. Rat hepatocytes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Degenerative changes were observed in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats. These degenerative changes were significantly reduced or absent in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats treated with parsley. Blood glucose levels, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were observed to be raised in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with parsley demonstrated significantly lower levels of blood glucose, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The present study suggests that parsley demonstrates a significant hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats.     

Combined effects of niacin and chromium treatment on heart of hyperlipidemic rats

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of the combination of niacin and chromium(III)-chloride on heart glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, serum paraoxonase (PON), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and protein carbonyl contents (PCC) of hyperlipidemic rats. In this study, female Swiss albino rats were used. They were divided into four groups. The animals of the first group (group I) were fed with pellet chow. The rats (group II) were fed with a lipogenic diet consisting of 2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid and 20% sunflower oil added to the pellet chow, and given 3% alcoholic water for 60 days. The rats (group III) were fed with the same lipogenic diet and treated by gavage technique with CrCl(3) 6H(2)O to a dose of 250 μg/kg and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days, 15 days after experimental animals were done hyperlipidemic. Group IV was fed with pellet chow and treated with 250 μg/kg CrCl(3) 6H(2)O and 100 mg/kg niacin for 45 days. On the 60th day, the heart tissue and blood samples were taken from animals. As a result, heart LPO, serum GGT activity and serum PCC were increased; serum PON activity and heart GSH levels were decreased in hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with combined niacin and chromium reversed these effects. In conclusion, the combined treatment with niacin and chromium might induce a protective effect on heart tissue.     

Protective effect of vanadyl sulfate on the pancreas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study is to examine from a biochemical and histological perspective, whether vanadium has a protective effect on the pancreas of diabetic rats. Male, 6-6.5 months old, Swiss albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I: control (intact) animals (n=13). Group II: control rats given vanadyl sulfate (n=5). Group III: streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals (n=11). Group IV: streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals given vanadyl sulfate (n=11). Vanadyl sulfate was given by gavage technique to rats in a dose of 100mg/kg daily for 60 days, after experimental animals were made diabetic. On day 60, the pancreas tissue and blood samples were taken from the animals. In the streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, blood glucose levels significantly increased in contrast to the loss of body weight, but vanadyl sulfate in streptozotocin-diabetic rats reduced blood glucose levels and increased both blood glutathione levels and body weight. Tissue sections were immunostained using an insulin antibody. The control group given vanadyl sulfate was no different from the other intact control group considering the insulin immunoreactivity in B cells. In pancreatic islets of the diabetic group, a decrease in the number of immunoreactive B cells was observed in comparison to the control group. On the other hand, pancreatic islets of the diabetic group given vanadyl sulfate showed a higher number of immunoreactive B cells in comparison to the diabetic group. According to the immunohistochemical and biochemical results obtained, it was concluded that vanadyl sulfate can regenerate B cells of endocrine pancreas in experimental diabetes.     

Influence of combined antioxidants against cadmium induced testicular damage

Acute effects of cadmium (Cd) and combined antioxidants were evaluated in Sprague–Dawley rat testes. The rats were subdivided into four groups. Cadmium chloride (2 mg/kg day) injected intraperitoneally during 8 days. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg day), vitamin E (250 mg/kg day) and sodium selenate (0.25 mg/kg day) were pretreated by gavage in both of control and cadmium injected rats. Testis lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were determined by spectrophotometrically. In Cd treated rats, lipid peroxidation levels were increased and glutathione levels were decreased and combined antioxidants treatment was effective in preventing of lipid peroxidation and normalizing glutathione. In Cd treated animals, the degenerative changes were observed, but not observed in the administrated rats with Cd and antioxidants under the light microscope. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen, metallothionein and caspase-3 activities were evaluated by immunohistochemically. Proliferation activity was not seen in the spermatogonial cells of cadmium treated testis. Treatment with antioxidants in cadmium administrated testis leads to pronounced increase in proliferation activity. Cytoplasmic caspase-3 activity was determined in the spermatogenic cells but not spermatogonia in treatment of antioxidants with Cd. In control and treated with antioxidants animals, metallothionein expressions were localized in the cells of seminiferous tubules, although the expression only was observed in the interstitial cells of cadmium treated rats. Results demonstrated beneficial effects of combined vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium treatment in Cd toxicity.     

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla)

Plants have been used for many years as a source of traditional medicine to treat various diseases and conditions. Many of these medicinal plants are also excellent sources for phytochemicals, many of which contain potent antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities. Chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is widely spread in Turkey and used as an antidiabetic in traditional medicine. In the present study, the antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor capacity of chard were examined. In addition, proline level of chard was determined. The antioxidant activity of water extract of chard was evaluated using different antioxidant tests. The results were compared with natural and synthetic antioxidants. The results suggest that chard may provide a natural source of antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities and proline content.     

Limited Effects of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on Protein Glycation and Glutathione in Lenses of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), which has hypoglycaemic activity, has been used as a folk remedy for diabetes. This study investigated the effect of parsley administration on diabetes-induced impairments in rat lenses. Administration of parsley extract did not prevent a decrease in glutathione nor an increase in protein glycation, although it did significantly prevent an increase in blood glucose. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed no significant differences in any protein bands between any of the groups.     

The Role of Vitamin C,Vitamin E,and Selenium on Cadmium-Induced Renal Toxicity of Rats

The aim of this study was to determine whether vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have protective effects against cadmium-induced renal toxicity of rats. Vitamin C (250 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (250 mg/kg/day), and sodium selenate (0.25 mg/kg/day) were given to rats orally for 8 days. Cadmium (2 mg/kg/day CdCl₂) was given to rats intraperitoneally. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium (in the same dose and time) were given 1 h prior to the administration of cadmium every day. The tissue and blood samples were taken from the rats for histological evaluation and biochemical analyses on the Day 9. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) determination were made in kidney tissue. In addition, urea and creatinine levels were determined in serum. The damage to the kidney tissue was moderate in the rats given cadmium. In this group, the distinctive changes in the proximal tubules were observed. Degenerative changes in kidney tissue were also observed in rats given vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and cadmium. LPO levels significantly increased and GSH levels decreased in kidney tissues following cadmium administration. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also increased in rats given cadmium. The administration of vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium caused a significant decrease in LPO levels and an increase in GSH levels in the kidney of rats given cadmium. Serum urea and creatinine levels were decreased in rats given both the antioxidant and cadmium. It is concluded that vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium showed some protective effect on the rat kidney.