Protective efficacy of Mucuna pruriens extract on Epichlorohydrin induced toxicity in epididymis of albino rats

The protective effects of seeds of Mucuna pruriens on epichlorohydrin (ECH)-induced toxicity in epididymis and epididymal sperms of rats were studied. Different doses of ECH and M. pruriens (75 and 100 mg kg^?1, respectively) were administered daily, orally for 70 days. Group I animals served as control. Group II and III rats received ECH (75 or 100 mg kg^?1 body weight, respectively) alone. The group IV and V rats received a combination of both ECH and the seed extract of M. pruriens at 75 or 100 mg kg^?1 body weight. Group VI rats was administered only the extract of M. pruriens 100 mg kg^?1 body weight. At the end of the experiment (71st day), rats were sacrificed and sperm collected from epididymis were used for the assessment of sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm motility. Administration of ECH produced a reduction in epididymal sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm motility. The activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased, while lipid peroxidation was increased. ECH produced a decrease in the levels of protein, acid phosphatase, sialic acids, and increased the level of alkaline phosphatase, and cholesterol. The administration of M. pruriens to ECH-treated rats resulted in a protective effect.     

Protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on collagen content and oxidative stress induced by sodium fluoride in the liver and kidney of rats

Fluorosis is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. The generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation has been considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic fluoride toxicity. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract on the collagen content and oxidative stress in liver and kidney of fluoride-exposed rats. The first group served as control. The second group received 200 mg L^?1 of sodium fluoride through drinking water. The third and fourth groups received T. indica fruit pulp extract (200 mg kg^?1 body weight) alone and along with fluorinated drinking water respectively, daily by gavage for a period of 90 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from all groups, and liver and kidney samples were taken concurrently. Levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were evaluated in the liver and kidney of experimental rats. Furthermore, level of hydroxyproline and histological examination of liver and kidney along with serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. In conclusion, fluoride was determined to cause adverse effects in rats, and the supplementation of tamarind to these animals alleviated the adverse effects of fluoride.     

Toxicity of Nerium oleander leaf extract in mice

Non-lethal dose of 70% ethanol extract of the Nerium oleander dry leaves (1000 mg/kg body weight) was subcutaneously injected into male and female mice once a week for 9 weeks (total 10 doses). One day after the last injection, final body weight gain (relative percentage to the initial body weight) had a tendency, in both males and females, towards depression suggesting a metabolic insult at other sites than those involved in myocardial function. Multiple exposure of the mice to the specified dose failed to express a significant influence on blood parameters (WBC, RBC, Hb, HCT, PLT) as well as myocardium. On the other hand, a lethal dose (4000 mg/kg body weight) was capable of inducing progressive changes in myocardial electrical activity ending up in cardiac arrest. The electrocardiogram abnormalities could be brought about by the expected Na+, K(+)-ATPase inhibition by the cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) content of the lethal dose.     

邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)对小白鼠肝脏毒性及脂质过氧化损伤

为研究邻苯二甲酸二乙基己酯(DEHP)对小鼠肝脏的毒性及脂质过氧化损伤作用机制,选择昆明4周龄小鼠80只,雌雄各半,随机分为4组。经食饵连续自然给食染毒,于染毒第4周末处死。测量小鼠肝脏和体重的变化,测定不同DEHP染毒剂量组小鼠的血液、肝脏中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)、过氧化氢(H2O2)和丙二醛(MDA),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的变化。将实验数据进行ANO-VA分析处理。结果表明,随着染毒剂量的增加,小鼠体重逐渐减少(p<0.01),高剂量组肝脏器系数明显上升(p<0.01)。苏木精-伊红染色法(简称HE染色)可见高剂量组肝脏组织有明显损伤。与对照组相比,DEHP3个剂量染毒组小鼠血液(75mg·kg-1组除外)及肝脏中GPX活性降低(p<0.05,p<0.01),H2O2含量增加(p<0.05,p<0.01);肝组织中(75mg·kg-1组除外)SOD活性降低(p<0.05,p<0.01),MDA含量增加(p<0.01)。以上结果说明DEHP对小鼠肝脏的毒性作用机制可能为脂质过氧化反应。     

Phytochemical screening and toxicological profile of methanolic extract of Picralima nitida fruit-rind (Apocynaceae)

The methanol (M) extract of the fruit-rinds of Picralima nitida (PN) was analyzed phytochemically and evaluated for its toxicity effect in Wistar rats. The rats were administered graded doses (0.75, 1.5, 3, and 6 g kg^?1 p.o) of the extract daily for 6 weeks and the toxicological effect of these varying levels of extract were examined on the serum, hepatic, and renal concentration of biochemical parameters as well as the histopathology of tissue section of these liver, kidney, and lungs. Clinical signs and hematology were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids and polyphenols were major compounds. Both biochemical and histopathological data presented demonstrate dose-dependent signs of toxicity. Our results show a significant elevation in serum concentration of aspartate amino-transferase, alanine amino-transferase, glucose, creatinine, total cholesterol, and protein with high-dose of PN treatment tested. PN also caused a significant reduction in hepatic malondialdehyde and a slight increase in glutathione concentration at the lowest dose tested. Renal urea level was reduced significantly in test groups. A significant change was observed in the relative weights of the spleen, heart, and kidneys. The total white blood cell count was reduced, whereas the hematocrit level was increased remarkably in animals that received high doses of the extract. The acute toxicity LD₅₀ was estimated at 14.5 and 12.5 g kg^?1 body weight for male and female, respectively. These results show that prolonged usage of this extract at 1.5–6 g kg^?1 dose could cause liver, kidney, and lung injury, while the effect was mild at small dose levels (0.75 g kg^?1). Thus, the extract should be taken with caution bearing in mind that higher doses could affect the liver, kidneys, and lungs.     

Hepatotoxic and haematological effects of Nigerian Bonny light crude oil in male albino rats

The effect of Bonny light crude oil was assessed in adult albino rats. The rats were administered with 200, 400, and 800?mg/kg of the crude oil orally for 7 days. Fluid intake was measured daily, and the initial and final animal body weight recorded. Oral crude oil at these doses produced no effect on feed and fluid intake between the test groups and the control group. There was a significant decrease in body weight compared to the control group after 7 days of treatment with the different doses of crude oil.

The toxic effects of the liver and hematological effects were assessed. The packed cell volume (PCV) and total white blood cell (WBC) of the 200?mg/kg group were significantly decreased compared to the respective control values. Administration of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of Bonny light crude oil, caused a significant dose-dependent increase in glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels, but a significant decrease in the alkaline phosphatase (AP) level compared to the control. Histological examination indicates that crude oil induced severe pathologic changes in the forms of necrosis and oedema.     

The protective potential of Nitraria retusa on penconazole-induced hepatic injury in adult rats

The protective effect of Nitraria retusa fruit extract against hepatotoxicity induced by penconazole at a dose of 67 mg/kg body weight given intraperitoneally every two days to male Wistar rats was investigated. Penconazole exposure increased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and advanced oxidation protein product levels. Hepatic biomarkers as well as enzymatic (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (vitamin C, non-protein thiols and metallothioneins) antioxidant status were also altered. Treatment with N. retusa extract improved all parameters cited above. Liver histological studies confirmed the biochemical parameters. These results provide a scientific basis for the use of N. retusa fruit against hepatotoxicity.     

Antioxidant rich diet supplements (Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp) mitigate hematological disorders in fluoride exposed mice

The effect of antioxidant rich diet supplements of Spirulina and tamarind fruit pulp at 230 mg kg^?1 body weight, separately as well as in combination, on various hematological parameters of Swiss albino mice exposed to fluoride for seven days at daily doses of 190 mg kg^?1 body weight and for 90 days at daily doses of 94 mg kg^?1 body weight is reported. Compared with controls, fluoride exposure decreased erythrocyte (12%–18%), leukocyte (16%) and platelet counts (7%, only for short-term exposure), hemoglobin (2%–17%) and packed cell volume (2%–14%) in Swiss albino mice reared on standard feed but these were altered little in the diet supplement groups. Fluoride exposure decreased lymphocytes in both standard feed (16%–21%) and diet supplement groups (5%–19%, but only after long-term exposure). Fluoride withdrawal led to recovery of the post-treated mice from long-term exposure. Spirulina alone and also in combination with tamarind fruit pulp was found more effective than tamarind alone in reducing hematological disorders in fluoride treated mice.     

Demonstration of sperm head shape abnormality and clastogenic potential of cypermethrin

Adult male Swiss albino mice were administered ip. suspension solution of cypermethrin in 0.15% DMSO at the doses of 30 mg, 60 mg and 90 mg/kg b. wt. daily for 5 days. Another group of animals was injected cyclophosphamide ip. (60 mg/kg b. wt.) in similar manner which served as positive control. Effect of cypermethrin on body and testes weight and sperm head morphology was studied. Clastogenic potential of cypermethrin was studied by using modified Allium test. The cytological changes were studied in the root tip cells of Allium cepa after 3 days treatment with three different concentration of cypermethrin (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 microg/ml). The results revealed that body weight gain was considerably reduced in higher dose groups, but the testicular weight did not change significantly in any of the cypermethrin treated groups. However, a significant elevation in the number of abnormal shape of sperm head was noticed in higher dose groups as compared to control. It was observed that the abnormality in the shape of sperm head was dose-dependent. The cytological changes in the root tip cells of Allium cepa indicated that cypermethrin is having toxic effects on the root tip cells in the form of stickiness of chromosomes and also affect the mitotic activity. This study suggest that cypermethrin may have the potential to induce adverse effects on sperm head shape morphology of mouse as well as clastogenic effects on root tip cells of Allium cepa.     

Lead induced spermatoxicity in mouse and MPG treatment

Protective efficacy of MPG (2-mercaptopropionyl glycine) was studied against the toxic effects of lead acetate in Swiss albino mice. The animals were treated with single dose of lead acetate @ 180, 200 and 250 mg/kg b.wt. in presence and absence of MPG. The results indicated that the body weight was slightly higher in MPG treated groups on day 10 as compared to only respective lead treated groups in all the three dose level. However, significantly lower body weight was observed in both lead treated and lead along with MPG treated groups as compared to control. Patten of mortality is similar in both lead treated and lead plus MPG treated groups. Conspicuous degenerative changes in testicular tissues and elevation in sperm head shape abnormality were observed in both lead treated and lead along with MPG treated groups but the sperm head shape abnormality and damage were more in lead treated groups as compared to lead plus MPG treated groups. But this difference was non-significant between the two groups. These observations suggest that MPG may not be significantly effective against lead induced damage in testicular tissues at cellular level. However, MPG is able to maintain slightly lower level of sperm abnormality in all the three dose level as compared to their respective lead treated groups. Further, studies are needed to find out the optimum dose of MPG for protection against the lower doses of lead induced lethality as MPG is not significantly effective against the higher doses of lead.     

沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘对大鼠呼吸系统的免疫损伤

为研究沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘对大鼠呼吸系统的免疫损伤,采集距北京200多公里的张家口张北地区的安固里诺尔干盐湖(N41.316°,E114.350°)0~5 cm的盐碱表土,过200目(75μm)筛,测试土壤盐碱扬尘中水溶性离子。将32只雄性7周龄Wistar大鼠随机分为4组,即生理盐水对照组、低浓度组(1.5 mg·kg~(-1))、中浓度组(7.5 mg·kg~(-1))、高浓度组(37.5 mg·kg~(-1)),配制颗粒物悬液,采用气管滴注急性染毒方式,24 h后处死动物,检测血常规及血浆和肺泡灌洗液(BALF)的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)、乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)、转化生长因子(TGF-β1)等氧化炎症因子,并制作肺组织和气管病理切片。结果表明,沙尘暴源区土壤盐碱扬尘中含有大量的SO_4~(2-)、NO_3~-和NH_4~+等离子;土壤盐碱扬尘急性染毒会对大鼠气管和肺组织造成明显的炎症病变,并随着染毒试剂浓度的升高而加重;但对大鼠血常规的影响较小。中、高浓度染毒使血浆中T-AOC显著下降(P0.05);染毒促使血浆TGF-β1分泌显著增加(P0.05),但不存在剂量-效应关系,其他氧化炎症指标分泌无显著变化。中、高浓度组BALF的TGF-β1因子分泌量显著高于生理盐水对照组(P0.05),高浓度组BALF中IL-6含量显著低于生理盐水对照组(P0.05),其他氧化炎症指标分泌无显著变化。这些研究显示土壤盐碱扬尘粒径大小及化学成分可能是造成大鼠氧化炎症差异的原因。     

体育场馆内PM_(2.5)暴露对运动大鼠行为学及相关无氧代谢酶活性的影响

通过非暴露式气管滴注法建立损伤模型,按照低、中、高3种剂量细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))进行染毒,以研究不同浓度PM_(2.5)对运动大鼠行为学及部分无氧代谢酶活性的影响。实验选取32只雄性Wistar SPF(specific pathogen free,SPF)大鼠随机分为运动对照组(EC)、高剂量运动组(30 mg·kg~(-1))(HPE)、中剂量运动组(15 mg·kg~(-1))(MPE)、低剂量运动组(7.5 mg·kg~(-1))(LPE),利用卒中指数和神经病学症状评分对大鼠的行为学进行评价,通过酶联免疫法(ELISA)测定大鼠血清、肺泡灌洗液(BALF)以及股四头肌组织中己糖激酶(HK)、丙酮酸激酶(PK)、磷酸果糖激酶(PFK-1)的活性。结果表明,与EC相比,3个剂量暴露组中,卒中指数和神经病学症状评分差异均有统计学意义;LPE、MPE、HPE组各组织中HK、PK、PFK-1活性均下降,差异有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。综上所述,急性PM_(2.5)暴露可对大鼠行为学产生不利的影响,使大鼠部分组织的无氧代谢酶酶活性降低,影响机体的运动能力。     

围生期毒死蜱暴露致子代8周雄鼠睾丸组织的氧化损伤

毒死蜱是目前全世界使用和销售量最大的有机磷杀虫剂之一。为探讨围生期毒死蜱暴露致8周雄性子鼠睾丸组织的氧化损伤,选择健康Wistar妊娠母鼠于妊娠期(gestation days,GD)第6天至子鼠出生后(postnatal days,PND)21天通过灌胃染毒0、0.75、1.35和2.70 mg·kg~(-1)剂量的毒死蜱,待雄性子鼠8周龄取左侧睾丸实施组织病理学检查,右侧睾丸用以检测丙二醛(maleic dialdehyde,MDA)的含量和谷胱甘肽S转移酶(glutathione S transferases,GST)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSH-Px)、总超氧化物歧化酶(total superoxide dismutase,T-SOD)的活力。结果表明,与对照组比较,随着染毒剂量的增加子鼠体重和睾丸、附睾脏器系数有下降的趋势(P0.05);而MDA呈升高趋势(P0.05)。各组T-SOD和1.35、2.70 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组GSH-Px活力的下降及2.70 mg·kg~(-1)剂量组GST活力的升高均有统计学意义(P0.05)。睾丸组织病理学检查结果可见2.70mg·kg~(-1)剂量组睾丸组织有明显的损伤,管腔中精液量减少,生精细胞脱落增多。上述研究结果提示母鼠于围生期暴露于毒死蜱,可通过氧化损伤诱导子代雄性大鼠睾丸的毒性作用。     

Changes in hematological profile of male albino rats after acephate administration

The present study was designed to evaluate the possible adverse effects of acephate, an organophosphate insecticide, on hematological parameters in male albino rats. Acephate was administered orally to rats at either 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg bwt/day for 30 days. Data showed a significant decrease in total erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit value; however, an increase in total leukocyte count was noted. The levels of blood sugar and blood urea were significantly elevated when administered by acephate. There were no significant changes in mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration for all doses. Thus, obtained results collectively revealed that acephate administration produced significant alterations in hematological parameters in dose-dependent manner.     

Cybil induced hepatobiochemical changes in wistar rats

Cybil, 25%EC formulation of Cypermethrin, induces biochemical changes in the liver of wistar rats after oral intubation of the same at acute (one day) and subacute (7, 14 and 21 days) levels. The changes were tallied with the controls run simultaneously. LD50 of Cybil was estimated to be 622mg/kg body weight The acute dose is 80mg/kg body weight exposed for one day i.e. 24 hours and subacute dose is 4mg/kg body weight exposed for 7, 14 and 21 days. When compared with the control values, both the doses enhanced the level of glycogen, cholesterol, total lipid and acid phosphatase activities, while decreased activity of alkaline phosphatase. Alterations in glycogen, cholesterol, total lipid, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase resulted in the impairement in liver physiology.     

Effect of mercuric chloride on circulating hormones in adult albino rats

The effect of mercuric chloride at two different doses, 0.5 mg/kg body weight (low dose), 1 mg/kg body weight (high dose), for 30 days, was seen on the circulating hormones in the mature male albino rats. Testosterone level was markedly decreased in the low dose (P < 0.01) and high dose (P < 0.001) treated animals. The level of luteinizing hormone (LH) was also reduced in the low dose (P < 0.01) as well as in the high dose (P < 0.001) treated animals. However, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin (PRL) levels were found to be decreased only in the high dose (P < 0. 05) treated animals and no change was observed in the low dose treated animals. The changes in the hormone levels caused by the mercuric chloride treatment suggest the dysfunction of pituitary-testicular axis.     

Evaluation of antioxidant potentials of Morinda morindoides leaf extract

This study investigated antioxidant status of animals given aqueous extract of Morinda morindoides leaves using the levels of reduced glutathione, total-thiol, vitamin C, and vitamin E as well as malondialdehyde concentrations as indices, and its in vitro antioxidant capacity. Thirty rats divided into five groups were used. Group A served as control and were administered distilled water while groups B, C, D, and E were given 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg per kilogram body weight of water-extracted constituents of M. morindoides for 28 days. Total phenolic compounds amounted to 83.6 ± 5.9 mg g^?1 gallic acid equivalent, while total flavonoid content was 9.5 ± 0.9 mg g^?1 pyrocathecol equivalent. Malondialdehyde in plasma was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner, ranging from 21% in groups B and C to 84% in groups D and E. Vitamins C and E were significantly increased, in group E by 91% and 17% compared with control. Total thiols and glutathione in plasma were significantly increased, with group E having 2.5-fold and 4.2-fold higher values than control.     

氯沙坦对X综合症大鼠糖脂代谢的影响

目的探讨氯沙坦对x综合症大鼠糖脂代谢的影响.方法采用高果糖饲料饲养两肾一夹SD大鼠4周,诱导建立x综合症模型,实验随机分为对照组;x综合症组;对照组 氯沙坦组;x综合症组 氯沙坦组.每周检测各组尾动脉收缩压,于12周末采血测定各组血糖、血脂、血胰岛素水平,同时计算胰岛素敏感指数.结果x综合症组 氯沙坦组与x综合症组对比,氯沙坦降低了收缩压(P<0.01)、空腹血糖(8.01 mmol/l vs13.81 mmol/lP<0.01)、、甘油三酯(0.88 mmol/l vs 1.53 mmol/lP<0.01)、总胆固醇(0.79 mmol/l vs 1.57mmol/lP<0.01),升高了胰岛素敏感指数(-5.71 vs-6.40P<0.05).结论氯沙坦能降低x综合症大鼠的血压,减轻胰岛素抵抗,纠正糖、脂代谢紊乱.表1,图1,参12.     

Acute toxicity and histopathology study of a galactose-specific lectin from the seeds of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African walnut) (Hutch and Dalz)

A lactose-binding lectin (TCL) was purified from the seeds of African walnut, Tetracarpidium conophorum, and acute toxicity studies of the lectin were carried out with Swiss albino male mice. Animals were administered doses of TCL from 500 to 2500?mg?kg^?1 body weight (b.wt.) orally while intraperitoneally the dose ranged from 10 to 600?mg?kg^?1 b.wt. Animals were then assessed for organ and body weight changes, mortality, and histopathology. TCL did not cause any observable toxicity via the oral route; however, when administered intraperitoneally, TCL elicited toxicity with an LD₅₀ of 50?mg?kg^?1 b.wt. Death from intoxication was preceded by convulsion, hypoactivity, salivation, ataxia, and weakness. The animals given lethal doses of the lectin showed profound respiratory depression which was judged to be the primary cause of death. Histopathological analysis indicated that the lungs, liver, and spleen were adversely affected while the kidney and other organs were essentially normal. In all the affected organs, the severity of toxicity was dose-dependent as the effect of the lectin became more pronounced with increase of the dose administered.     

Bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats: the protective effect of flaxseed

The metabolites of bromobenzene (BB) are hepatotoxic. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of different doses of flaxseed extract in alleviating BB-hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Oxidative stress parameters, drug metabolizing enzymes, a pro-inflammatory marker, an apoptotic marker, and DNA fragmentation pattern were also assessed. Animals were divided into five groups treated by intragastric intubation as follows: control, BB-treated 460?mg?kg^?1?BW alone; three animal groups (III, IV, V) were treated concurrently with 460?mg?kg^?1 BB daily for 3 weeks and different doses of flaxseeds extract: 100, 200, or 300?mg?kg^?1?BW. Oral treatment of BB produced a significant decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels, while activities of glutathione reductase and drug-metabolizing enzymes; glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 were enhanced. BB-treatment resulted in enhanced production of nitric oxide and activation of COX-2 and caspase-3. Pre-treatment with different doses of flaxseeds extract prior and during BB-treatment protected liver against BB-induced hepatotoxicity. The lower dose of flaxseed extract (100?mg?kg^?1) was most effective one.