Lithium induced, oxidative stress and related damages in testes and heart in male rats: The protective effects of Malva sylvestris extract

Oral supplementation of inositols effectively recovered lithium-induced cardiac dysfunctions in mice

This study investigates the effects of inositol (INO) supplementation on cardiac changes caused by Li in mice. The study involved 4 groups of C57BL6 mice (n=10 each): (i) mice orally administered with Li2CO3 for 8 weeks, then 4 additional weeks without (Li_group) or (ii) with INO supplementation (Li_INOdelayed_group) (total of 12 weeks); (iii) mice given Li2CO3 and INO supplementation concurrently for 12 weeks (Li+INO_group); (iv) one group left untreated (C-group). The INO was administered as a mixture of myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol (80:1) in drinking water. The mice were characterised for heart morphology, function, electrical activity, arrhythmogenic susceptibility, and multiorgan histopathology (heart, liver and kidney). Cardiomyocyte size, protein expression of key signalling pathways related to hypertrophy, and transcription levels of ion channel subunits and hypertrophy markers were evaluated in the ventricle tissue. The study found that INO supplementation reduced the Li-induced cardiac adverse effects, including systolic impairment and increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. The positive effect on arrhythmias might be attributed to the restored expression levels of the potassium channel subunit Kv 1.5. Additionally, INO improved cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, possibly by inhibiting the Li-induced activation of the ERK1/2 signalling pathway and by restoring the normal expression level of BNP, and alleviated injury in the liver and kidney. The effect was preventive if INO supplementation was taken concurrently with Li and therapeutic if INO was administered after Li-induced cardiac impairments were established. These results provide new insights into the cardioprotective effect of INO and suggest a potential treatment approach for Li-induced cardiac disease.

Punica granatum peel extract modulates levofloxacin-induced oxidative stress and testicular damage in rats

Levofloxacin (LEV) is one of the Fluoroquinolones antibiotic groups, which are utilized in the therapy of numerous diseases, particularly in reproductive organs. Punica granatum peel is a waste byproduct rich in phytochemicals that are known for their different biological activities. The current research was designed to assess the capability of pomegranate peel extract (PGPE) in counteracting LEV-induced oxidative stress and testicular injury in rats. Rats groups were divided as follows: control, PGPE (500 mg/kg BW), LEV (300 mg/kg BW), and PGPE plus LEV. Rats were treated orally for two weeks daily. The chemical and nutritional content of Punica granatum peel (PGP) were investigated. GC/MS analysis showed the major phytochemical constituents in PGPE as gallic acid, ellagic acid, 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, and caffeic acid with DPPH, ABTS, and NO radical scavenging activity, as well as Fe3+- reducing antioxidant activity. Results revealed that LEV increased TBARS and H2O2 concentrations and LDH activity in rat testes significantly. While the activities of antioxidant enzymes, phosphatases, aminotransferases, and reduced glutathione content as well as protein levels, were significantly reduced. Worthy changes in testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, as well as sperm characteristics, were also discovered. LEV was also found to trigger apoptosis, as evidenced by elevated p53 and caspase-3 levels and decreased Bcl2 levels. Furthermore, alterations in histological and immunohistochemical PCNA expression were observed in rat testes, confirming the biochemical findings. Furthermore, PGPE pretreatment of LEV-treated rats restored the majority of the tested parameters when compared to the LEV-treated group. In conclusion, pomegranate peel extract had a powerful modulating role against the adverse effects of levofloxacin in rat testes and represents a perspective of the utilization of food waste by-products.

Lithium Treatment Induces Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

Lithium (Li) salts are commonly used as medications for bipolar disorders. In addition to its therapeutic value, Li is also being increasingly used as a battery component in modern electronic devices. Concerns about its toxicity and negative impact on the heart have recently been raised. We investigated the effects of long-term Li treatment on the heart, liver, and kidney in mice. Sixteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to receive oral administration of Li carbonate (n = 8) or act as a control group (n = 8) for 12 weeks. We evaluated the cardiac electrical activity, morphology and function, and pathways contributing to remodelling. We assessed the multi-organ toxicity using histopathology techniques in the heart, liver, and kidney. Our findings suggest that mice receiving Li had impaired systolic function and ventricular repolarisation and were more susceptible to arrhythmias under adrenergic stimulation. The Li treatment caused an increase in the cardiomyocytes' size, the modulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, along with some minor tissue damage. Our findings revealed a cardiotoxic effect of Li at therapeutic dosage, along with some histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney. In addition, our study suggests that our model could be used to test potential treatments for Li-induced cardiotoxicity.

Radioprotective effect of Malva sylvestris L. against radiation-induced liver, kidney and intestine damages in rat: A histopathological study

Background

Ionizing radiation (IR) is widely used in the treatment of cancer in radiotherapy. One of the main concerns of patients with gastrointestinal cancers undergoing radiotherapy is the harmful side effects of IR on normal tissues. The liver, kidney, and duodenum are usually exposed to high doses of radiation in the treatment of some cancers in abdominal region radiotherapy. We aimed to assess the radioprotective effects of Malva sylvestris L. against IR damages to the abdominal region.

Materials and methods

This current study was conducted on 45 rats divided randomly into nine groups of five: A) negative control group, B) sham group, C) irradiation group, D) mallow treatment-1(200gr/kg), E) mallow treatment-2(400gr/kg), F) mallow treatment-3(600gr/kg), G) mallow treatment-4(200gr/kg) plus irradiation, H) mallow treatment-5(400gr/kg) plus irradiation, I) mallow treatment-6(600gr/kg) plus irradiation. Irradiation was performed with a 6Gy x-ray. Histopathological evaluations were performed 10 days after irradiation.

Results

The histopathological examination results confirmed that preventive therapy with the effective dose of mallow reduced the liver, kidney, and intestine damage induced by radiation. The dose of 400 mg/kg was more effective than other selected dose in improving the damage caused by irradiation in the studied tissues.

Conclusion

This study concludes that Malva sylvestris L. contributed to significant improvements in radiation-induced histological parameters of the liver and kidney and, to a lesser extent, in the intestine. These results collectively indicate that mallow is an effective radioprotective agent.

Reimagining safe lithium applications in the living environment and its impacts on human, animal, and plant system

Lithium's (Li) ubiquitous distribution in the environment is a rising concern due to its rapid proliferation in the modern electronic industry. Li enigmatic entry into the terrestrial food chain raises many questions and uncertainties that may pose a grave threat to living biota. We examined the leverage existing published articles regarding advances in global Li resources, interplay with plants, and possible involvement with living organisms, especially humans and animals. Globally, Li concentration (<10-300 mg kg^-1) is detected in agricultural soil, and their pollutant levels vary with space and time. High mobility of Li results in higher accumulation in plants, but the clear mechanisms and specific functions remain unknown. Our assessment reveals the causal relationship between Li level and biota health. For example, lower Li intake (<0.6 mM in serum) leads to mental disorders, while higher intake (>1.5 mM in serum) induces thyroid, stomach, kidney, and reproductive system dysfunctions in humans and animals. However, there is a serious knowledge gap regarding Li regulatory standards in environmental compartments, and mechanistic approaches to unveil its consequences are needed. Furthermore, aggressive efforts are required to define optimum levels of Li for the normal functioning of animals, plants, and humans. This review is designed to revitalize the current status of Li research and identify the key knowledge gaps to fight back against the mountainous challenges of Li during the recent digital revolution. Additionally, we propose pathways to overcome Li problems and develop a strategy for effective, safe, and acceptable applications.

Taurine mitigates the development of pulmonary inflammation, oxidative stress, and histopathological alterations in a rat model of bile duct ligation

Lung injury is a significant complication associated with cholestasis/cirrhosis. This problem significantly increases the risk of cirrhosis-related morbidity and mortality. Hence, finding effective therapeutic options in this field has significant clinical value. Severe inflammation and oxidative stress are involved in the mechanism of cirrhosis-induced lung injury. Taurine (TAU) is an abundant amino acid with substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of TAU in cholestasis-related lung injury. For this purpose, bile duct ligated (BDL) rats were treated with TAU (0.5 and 1% w: v in drinking water). Significant increases in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) level of inflammatory cells (lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils, monocytes, and eosinophils), increased IgG, and TNF-α were detected in the BDL animals (14 and 28 days after the BDL surgery). Alveolar congestion, hemorrhage, and fibrosis were the dominant pulmonary histopathological changes in the BDL group. Significant increases in the pulmonary tissue biomarkers of oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species formation, lipid peroxidation, increased oxidized glutathione levels, and decreased reduced glutathione, were also detected in the BDL rats. Moreover, significant myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide levels were seen in the lung of BDL rats. It was found that TAU significantly blunted inflammation, alleviated oxidative stress, and mitigated lung histopathological changes in BDL animals. These data suggest TAU as a potential protective agent against cholestasis/cirrhosis-related lung injury.

Toxicological impacts of excessive lithium on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides): Body weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, antioxidant defense and inflammation response

The unreasonably anthropogenic activities make lithium a widespread pollutant in aquatic environment, and this metallic element can enter the food chain to influence humans. Therefore, the study was designed to explore the influence of dietary lithium supplementation on body weight, lipid deposition, antioxidant capacity and inflammation response of largemouth bass. Multivariate statistical analysis confirmed the toxicological impacts of excessive lithium on largemouth bass. Specifically, excessive dietary lithium (≥87.08 mg/kg) significantly elevated weight gain and feed intake of largemouth bass. Meanwhile, overload lithium inclusion aggravated the accumulation of hepatic lipid and serum lithium. Gene expression results showed that lithium inclusion, especially overload lithium, promoted the transcription of lipogenesis related genes, PPARγ, ACC and FAS, inhibited the expression of fatty acid oxidation related genes, PPARα and ACO, and lipolysis related genes, HSL and MGL. Meanwhile, high lithium inclusion caused the oxidative stress, which was partly through the inhibition of Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. Moreover, dietary lithium inclusion significantly depressed the activity of hepatic lysozyme, and promoted the transcription of proinflammation factors, TNF-α, 5-LOX, IL-1β and IL-8, which was suggested to be regulated by the p38 MAPK pathway. Our findings suggested that overload lithium resulted in increased body weight, hepatic lipid deposition, oxidative stress and inflammation response. The results obtained here provided novel insights on the toxicological impacts of excessive lithium on aquatic animals.

Drug-induced organ injury in coronavirus disease 2019 pharmacotherapy: Mechanisms and challenges in differential diagnosis and potential protective strategies

The world is currently facing an unprecedented pandemic caused by a newly recognized and highly pathogenic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; induced by SARS-CoV-2 virus), which is a severe and ongoing threat to global public health. Since COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, several drug regimens have rapidly undergone clinical trials for the management of COVID-19. However, one of the major issues is drug-induced organ injury, which is a prominent clinical challenge. Unfortunately, most drugs used against COVID-19 are associated with adverse effects in different organs, such as the kidney, heart, and liver. These side effects are dangerous and, in some cases, they can be lethal. More importantly, organ injury is also a clinical manifestation of COVID-19 infection. These adverse reactions are increasingly recognized as outcomes of COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of drug-induced adverse effects from COVID-19-induced organ injury is a clinical complication. This review highlights the importance of drug-induced organ injury, its known mechanisms, and the potential therapeutic strategies in COVID-19 pharmacotherapy. We review the potential strategies for the differential diagnosis of drug-induced organ injury. This information can facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies, not only against COVID-19 but also for future outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases.

The association between testicular toxicity induced by Li2Co3 and protective effect of Ganoderma lucidum: Alteration of Bax & c-Kit genes expression

Ganoderma lucidum has received a lot of attention recently due to its medicinal potential activities. The aim of this designed experiment was to evaluate the beneficial effects of Ganoderma lucidum extract against lithium carbonate induced testicular toxicity and related lesions in mice testis. For this purpose, lithium carbonate at a dose of 30 mg/kg, followed by 75, 150 mg/kg Ganoderma lucidum extract orally were administered for 35 days. The results were obtained from Ganoderma lucidum extract analysis prove contained a large amount of polysaccharides, triterpenoids and poly phenols based on spectrophotometric assay. Also, DPPH assay for Ganoderma lucidum extract showed high level of radical scavenging activity. The hematoxylin & eosin cross section from lithium carbonate treated group exhibited significant alterations in seminiferous tubules. Moreover, lithium carbonate induced oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation and generate MDA (P < 0.001). In addition, lithium carbonate initiated germ cells apoptosis via increase Bax expression (p < 0.001) and reduce germ cells differentiation through down-regulation of c-Kit expression (p < 0.05). Results from CASA showed that sperm parameters like count, motility and viability significantly decreased in lithium treated group (p < 0.001). It is clear that lithium carbonate induce severe damage on male reproductive system and histopathological damages via generation oxidative stress but supplementation with Ganoderma lucidum extract exhibited prevention effects and repaired induced damages.

The Role of Mitochondrial Impairment and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Lithium-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice

Lithium (Li+) is prescribed against a wide range of neurological disorders. Besides its excellent therapeutic properties, there are several adverse effects associated with Li+. The impact of Li+ on renal function and diabetes insipidus is the most common adverse effect of this drug. On the other hand, infertility and decreased libido is another complication associated with Li+. It has been found that sperm indices of functionality, as well as libido, is significantly reduced in Li+-treated men. These adverse effects might lead to drug incompliance and the cessation of drug therapy. Hence, the main aims of the current study were to illustrate the mechanisms of adverse effects of Li+ on the testis tissue, spermatogenesis process, and hormonal changes in two experimental models. In the in vitro experiments, Leydig cells (LCs) were isolated from healthy mice, cultured, and exposed to increasing concentrations of Li+ (0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm). In the in vivo section of the current study, mice were treated with Li+ (0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm, in drinking water) for five consecutive weeks. Testis and sperm samples were collected and assessed. A significant sign of cytotoxicity (LDH release and MTT assay), along with disrupted testosterone biosynthesis, impaired mitochondrial indices (ATP level and mitochondrial depolarization), and increased biomarkers of oxidative stress were detected in LCs exposed to Li+. On the other hand, a significant increase in serum and testis Li+ levels were detected in drug-treated mice. Moreover, ROS formation, LPO, protein carbonylation, and increased oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were detected in both testis tissue and sperm specimens of Li+-treated mice. Several sperm anomalies were also detected in Li+-treated animals. On the other hand, sperm mitochondrial indices (mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity and ATP levels) were significantly decreased in drug-treated groups where mitochondrial depolarization was increased dose-dependently. Altogether, these data mention oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment as pivotal mechanisms involved in Li+-induced reproductive toxicity. Therefore, based on our previous publications in this area, therapeutic options, including compounds with high antioxidant properties that target these points might find a clinical value in ameliorating Li+-induced adverse effects on the male reproductive system.

Counteracting effects of heavy metals and antioxidants on male fertility

Infertility is regarded as a global health problem affecting 8-12% of couples. Male factors are regarded as the main cause of infertility in 40% of infertile couples and contribute to this condition in combination with female factors in another 20% of cases. Abnormal sperm parameters such as oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratozoospermia result in male factor infertility. Several studies have shown the deteriorative impact of heavy metals on sperm parameters and fertility in human subjects or animal models. Other studies have pointed to the role of antioxidants in counteracting the detrimental effects of heavy metals. In the currents study, we summarize the main outcomes of studies that assessed the counteracting impacts of heavy metal and antioxidants on male fertility. Based on the provided data from animal studies, it seems rational to administrate appropriate antioxidants in persons who suffer from abnormal sperm parameters and infertility due to exposure to toxic elements. Yet, further human studies are needed to approve the beneficial effects of these antioxidants.

An Evidence-Based Research on Botanical Sources for Oral Mucositis Treatment in Traditional Persian Medicine

BACKGROUND

Cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases associated with heavy complications in treatment. Mucotoxic cancer therapies such as head and neck radiotherapy and some of the chemotherapy agents may lead to oral mucositis. In addition to its economic consequences, mucositis also affects patients' quality of life. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) manuscripts, several medicaments have been suggested for the treatment of mucositis.

OBJECTIVE

Considering the public welcome for herbal medicine, the current evidence-based review study is conducted to investigate the herbal remedies which have been proposed for oral mucositis in TPM.

METHODS

At first, a comprehensive survey was done on Qanon fi al-Teb, which is the most important textbook of TPM; then the scientific name of the herbs was authenticated according to the botanical textbooks. At last, data banks including Scopus, Pubmed, Web of science and Science direct were investigated for possible relevant properties of each medicinal plant in the literature.

RESULTS

In total, 30 herbs are introduced in this study. According to the registered documents, 18 herbs are reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-nociceptive and wound healing properties of which the therapeutic effect of only a few herbs including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Malva sylvestris, Morus nigra, Punica granatum, and Solanum nigrum were directly evaluated against oral mucositis on the literature.

CONCLUSION

Despite the lack of human studies on mucositis for the other discussed herbs, their related pharmacological properties can be considered for new natural drug discovery supported by medieval and traditional experiments.

Bromelain from Ananas comosus stem attenuates oxidative toxicity and testicular dysfunction caused by aluminum in rats

BACKGROUND

Aluminum (Al) has been reported to induce testicular injury via oxidative stress. Ananas comosus stem extract is an inexpensive byproduct waste rich in bromelain which is a group of sulfur-containing enzymes known for its biological activities and medicinal applications. So, the current investigation aims to evaluate the efficacy of bromelain in counteracting oxidative injury and testicular dysfunction stimulated by aluminum in rats.

METHODS

Male adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group used as control, however, the second and third groups were received bromelain (250 mg/kg) and AlCl₃ (34 mg/Kg, 1/25 LD₅₀), and the fourth group supplemented with bromelain one hour before AlCl₃ intoxication, respectively. Bromelain was administered daily while AlCl₃ was given every other day by oral gavages for one month.

RESULTS

Al intoxicated animals revealed an elevation in lipid peroxidation (TBARS and H₂O₂) level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. However, reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein contents, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST), phosphatases (ALP, AcP) and aminotransferases (AST, ALT) activities were significantly reduced. Additionally, considerable amendments in hormonal levels (testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone) and sperm characteristics were spotted. Further, histological variations in the testes section were detected and this supports the biochemical observations. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain alone diminished TBARS and H₂O₂ and augmented mostly other parameters. Furthermore, supplementation with bromelain before Al intoxication in rats exhibited worthy betterment in oxidative stress markers, hormones, and sperm quality compared to Al treated group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, bromelain had a powerful protective role against Al-induced testicular dysfunction so, it represents a novel approach in metal toxicity processing.

ICP-MS trace element analysis in serum and whole blood

Trace elements and minerals are compounds that are essential for the support of a variety of biological functions and play an important role in the formation of and the defense against oxidative stress. Here we describe a technique, allowing sequential detection of the trace elements (K, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg) in serum and whole blood by an ICP-MS method using single work-up, which is a simple, quick and robust method for the sequential measurement and quantification of the trace elements Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) in whole blood as well as Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Gold (Au) and Lithium (Li) in human serum. For analysis, only 100 μl of serum or whole blood is sufficient, which make this method suitable for detecting trace element deficiency or excess in newborns and infants. All samples were processed and analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies). The accuracy, precision, linearity and the limit of quantification (LOQ), Limit of Blank (LOB) and the limit of detection (LOD) of the method were assessed. Recovery rates were between 80–130% for most of the analyzed elements; repeatabilities (C_v %) calculated were below 15% for most of the measured elements. The validity of the proposed methodology was assessed by analyzing a certified human serum and whole blood material with known concentrations for all elements; the method described is ready for routine use in biomonitoring studies.

Molecular Changes Induced by Oxidative Stress that Impair Human Sperm Motility

A state of oxidative stress (OS) and the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the male reproductive tract are strongly correlated with infertility. While physiological levels of ROS are necessary for normal sperm functioning, elevated ROS production can overwhelm the cell's limited antioxidant defenses leading to dysfunction and loss of fertilizing potential. Among the deleterious pleiotropic impacts arising from OS, sperm motility appears to be particularly vulnerable. Here, we present a mechanistic account for how OS contributes to altered sperm motility profiles. In our model, it is suggested that the abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) residing in the sperm membrane serve to sensitize the male germ cell to ROS attack by virtue of their ability to act as substrates for lipid peroxidation (LPO) cascades. Upon initiation, LPO leads to dramatic remodeling of the composition and biophysical properties of sperm membranes and, in the case of the mitochondria, this manifests in a dissipation of membrane potential, electron leakage, increased ROS production and reduced capacity for energy production. This situation is exacerbated by the production of cytotoxic LPO byproducts such as 4-hydroxynonenal, which dysregulate molecules associated with sperm bioenergetic pathways as well as the structural and signaling components of the motility apparatus. The impact of ROS also extends to lesions in the paternal genome, as is commonly seen in the defective spermatozoa of asthenozoospermic males. Concluding, the presence of OS in the male reproductive tract is strongly and positively correlated with reduced sperm motility and fertilizing potential, thus providing a rational target for the development of new therapeutic interventions.

Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.

Malva sylvestris extract alleviates the astrogliosis and inflammatory stress in LPS-induced depression mice

Neuro-inflammation is widely regarded as the inflammation occurred in the central nervous system (CNS) tissue, which authentically involved in the pathogenesis such as depression although the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Malva sylvestris (MS), a plant widely used in traditional medicine to mitigate urological, respiratory and oral diseases, exhibits excellent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we first used LPS-induced depression-like mice to evaluate the neuro-protective effect of MS extract. We found that, after 7 days' administration of MS extract, the cognitive impairment of LPS-induced depression-like mice was efficiently alleviated, evaluated by behavioral test including the Open field, Morris water maze (MWM), Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and Rota-rod test. Furthermore, we found that MS extract also inhibited the LPS-induced neuron apoptosis and astrogliosis both in the cortex and the CA1 region of hippocampus. Finally, our findings showed that the extract of MS relieved inflammatory stress induced by LPS injury, indicated by the down-regulation of IL-1β/6 and TNF-α, and up-regulation of IL-4 level both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, MS extract exhibits neuro-protective activity in vivo, and therefore, it may be widely used for food to relieve the symptoms of neuro-inflammation associated disorders such as depression.

Modulatory effect of Turnera diffusa against testicular toxicity induced by fenitrothion and/or hexavalent chromium in rats

Oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species have been implicated in pesticides and heavy metals toxicity. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Turnera diffusa Willd (damiana) on counteracting fenitrothion (FNT) and/or potassium dichromate (CrVI)-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative injury in rats. FNT and/or CrVI intoxicated animals revealed a significant increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide levels. While, reduced glutathione and protein content, as well as antioxidant enzymes, phosphatases, and aminotransferases activities, were significantly decreased. In addition, significant changes in testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were detected. Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical alterations were observed in rat testes and this supported the observed biochemical changes. On the other hand, rats treated with damiana alone decreased lipid peroxidation and increased most of the examined parameters. Moreover, damiana pretreatment to FNT and/or CrVI-intoxicated rats showed significant improvement in lipid peroxidation, enzyme activities, and hormones as compared with their respective treated groups. Conclusively, rats treated with both FNT and/or CrVI showed pronounced hazardous effect especially in their combination group in addition, Turnera diffusa had a potential protective role against FNT and/or CrVI induced testicular toxicity.

Protective Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Mice

Background

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate pesticide, is widely used in farms in order to preserve crops and fruits. Previous studies have shown that CPF exposure might cause chronic toxicity in male genital system. The present study investigated the protective effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant against testicular toxicity of CPF in male mice.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 42 adult male mice were divided into seven groups, CPF low (0.5 mg/kg.b.w) and high (5 mg/kg.b.w) doses groups, NAC group (35 mg/kg.b.w), NAC+CPF 0/5 mg/kg.b.w, NAC+CPF 5 mg/kg.b.w, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.75% solution mg/kg.b.w) and control group. All treatment were done intraperitoneally. Treatment was conducted for four consecutive weeks (five days each week). However NAC was injected to NAC+CPF groups five days before initiation of the treatment procedure. One week after the last injection, mice were sacrificed using anesthetic gas to evaluate alterations in testicular histology and sperm parameters.

Results

Seminiferous tubules area and diameter were significantly diminished in the group treated with 5 mg/kg CPF (P<0.05). CPF also statistically reduced sperm parameters (count and motility) and damaged sperm morphology) at both doses (P<0.05). However, NAC significantly improved spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatid cell counts as well as sperm parameters in mice treated with both CPF concentrations (P<0.05).

Conclusion

According to our results, NAC may significantly ameliorate CPF-induced damages to spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids cell counts and sperm parameters.

The Association Between Psychotropic Drug Use and Fertility Problems Among Male Subjects

Mental disorders affect a high percentage of the general population and are associated with a significant burden. One major component of treatment for mental illnesses is pharmacotherapy. Various psychotropic medications are used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders and these are often associated with a plethora of side effects. The many side effects of psychotropic drugs can severely impair patients' quality of life and decrease their adherence to treatment. Among the relatively neglected and less-studied potential side effects of psychotropic drugs are impairment of sperm parameters and fertility problems among male patients. This article summarizes the data with regard to the effects of 6 widely used psychotropic drugs-lithium, valproate, haloperidol, olanzapine, imipramine, and fluoxetine-on sexual function and sperm parameters in male subjects. In general, the reviewed data suggest that these medications can be associated with sexual function problems and negative effects on sperm parameters among male subjects. It is important to note that most of the data are based on preclinical studies and nonrandomized clinical trials with relatively small sample sizes, so that it is not possible to draw unequivocal conclusions with regard to the clinical relevance of the findings. Prospective, randomized clinical trials are necessary to elucidate the effects of psychotropic drugs on men's sperm parameters and fertility indices per se.

Lithium induced oxidative damage and inflammation in the rat's heart: Protective effect of grape seed and skin extract

Lithium (Li) is a relevant mood stabilizer metal for the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD), as it protects from both depression and mania and reduces the risk of suicide. However, Lihas some clinical concerns as a narrow therapeutic index requiring routine monitoring of the serum level. The present study was designed to analyze the cardio-toxic side effect of Li and the ability of grape seed and skin extract (GSSE) to protect the heart against such toxicity. After 30days of exposure to Li (0, 2, 5 and 100mg/kg bw) and prevention with GSSE (4000mg/kg bw), rats were killed by decapitation and their heart processed for Li-induced oxidative stress. Data mainly showed that Li increased lipoperoxidation and protein carbonylation, it decreased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and increased the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). Interestingly, GSSE efficiently alleviated all the deleterious effects of Li especially in low therapeutic doses. Based on our results, GSSE could be proposed as a nutritional supplement to mitigate the cardiotoxic side effects of lithium.

Cardioprotective effect of Malva sylvestris L. in myocardial ischemic/reprefused rats

PURPOSE

The present investigation evaluated the cardioprotective effect of Malva sylvestris L. (MS) on myocardial ischemic/reperfusion (MI/R) in rats.

METHODS

All animals were divided into four groups: the sham operated group, ischemia/reperfusion group (MI/R), and the MS (250 and 500mg/kg) treated groups, who received MS 250 and 500mg/kg intragastrically for 15 consecutive days, respectively. At the end of the protocol, concentrations of aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase-MB fraction (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were estimated in serum and the concentrations of other parameters, such as C-reactive protein, macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), and nitric oxide (NO) were also estimated in the blood. Tissue homogenate concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10 and IL-6 as well as oxidative stress parameters, such as lipid peroxidation, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were estimated in MI/R rats.

RESULT

Significant decreases (p<0.01) in AST, LDH, and CK-MB levels were observed in the MS-treated group compared with those in the MI/R group. C-reactive protein and MIP-1α levels decreased in the MS-treated group compared with those in the MI/R group. Plasma NO level was significantly enhanced in the MS-treated group than in the MI/R group. Moreover, treatment with MS significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and increased IL-10 levels in the MS group compared with the MI/R group. Treatment with MS also attenuated the altered oxidative stress parameters in MI/R rats.

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate the cardioprotective effects of MS of reducing oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in MI/R rats.