Ameliorative effect of grapefruit juice on amiodarone-induced cytogenetic and testicular damage in albino rats

Chondroprotective Effects of Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad.) Juice in a Complete Freund's Adjuvant Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disorder that can affect any joint in the human body. This study aimed to examine the anti-arthritic properties of high and low doses of grapefruit juice (GFJ), as grapefruit appears to contain anti-inflammatory biochemicals. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 170-180 g were divided into five groups. These groups comprised the untreated control group and osteoarthritic (Osteo) rats administered intra-articular injections of Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA; 0.5 mL; 1 mg/mL) as follows: OA rats administered low doses of GFJ (Osteo+GFJ (low); 5 mL/kg body weight (BW)); OA rats administered high doses of GFJ (Osteo+GFJ (high); 27 mL/kg BW); and OA rats administered diclofenac sodium (Osteo+Diclo) as a reference drug. Injections of CFA induced OA, as indicated by a significant increase in the serum levels of the inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and (prostaglandin (PGE2), as well as matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1) and cathepsin K. The synovial levels of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) also increased, with a concomitant reduction in osteocalcin levels. The administration of either high or low doses of GFJ reduced CRP, IL-1β, PGE2, MMP-1, cathepsin K, and osteocalcin while increasing the synovial levels of GAGs, TNF-α, and IL-6, slowing cartilage degradation and boosting joint function. The results showed comparable histopathological and biochemical responses. A comparison of the treatments showed that high-dose GFJ had a greater chondroprotective effect than low-dose GFJ.

Induced Cell Death as a Possible Pathway of Antimutagenic Action

The existing concepts of antimutagenesis are briefly reviewed. Published reports on antimutagenic and proapoptotic properties of some polyphenols and compounds of other chemical groups obtained in representative in vitro and in vivo experiments on eukaryotic test systems are discussed. The relationships between the antimutagenic and proapoptotic properties of the analyzed compounds (naringin, apigenin, resveratrol, curcumin, N-acetylcysteine, etc.) are considered in favor of the hypothesis on induced cell death as an antimutagenic tool.

Use of an antiarrhythmic drug against acute selenium toxicity

OBJECTIVE

Selenium is an essential trace element. But, selenium may have toxic effects in high doses. There are no proven antidotes or curative treatments for acut selenium toxicity. Treatment involves stopping the exposure and providing supportive care for symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to find more effective substances in the treatment of selenium toxicity. The aim of this study was to increase the survival rate of animals by supporting the heart with amiodarone and to determine the effect of amiodarone on the pathological, hematological and biochemical parameters in acute selenium intoxication.

METHODS

64 Wistar-Albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I was given only distilled water, Group II was given 18 mg/kg dose of amiodarone, Group III was given 18 mg/kg amiodarone and 10 mg/kg sodium selenite and Group IV was given sodium selenite 10 mg/kg (LD₅₀ dose)orally.

RESULTS

11 of the 16 animals in Group IV died within the first 48 h of drug administration. However, no deaths were observed in the rats in Group III. No hematological changes were observed. Biochemically, CK, CK-MB and LDH levels of Group IV were higher than the other groups on both the 2nd and 10th days. In Groups II and III, this serum level decreased, and vitamin B12 levels increased. In macroscopic inspections of the organs of Groups III and IV, slight paleness was detected. Histopathologically, degenerative changes in tissue were observed, especially in Group IV.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that amiodarone application has a reducing effect on selenium toxicity. This was because amiodarone protected the heart by reducing CK and CK-MB levels and increased vitamin B12 levels, which play a role in the synthesis of S-adenosyl methionine that converts selenium into a nontoxic form.

Thiamine deficiency and oxidative stress induced by prolonged metronidazole therapy can explain its side effects of neurotoxicity and infertility in experimental animals: Effect of grapefruit co-therapy

We aimed to explore the possible neurotoxicity and infertility mechanisms of prolonged metronidazole (MTZ) use and the effects of antioxidant grapefruit (GP) co-therapy on MTZ-induced complications. Sixty male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 each). Group I (control group) received 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (27 ml/ kg/day), group II (MTZ group) received MTZ (400 mg/kg/day), group III (MTZ + GP) received MTZ (400 mg/kg/ day) plus GP juice (27 ml/kg/ day) and group IV (GP group) received GP juice (27 ml/kg) for 60 days. Semen analyses were performed. Free testosterone, gonadotrophin (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone) and thiamine levels were measured. Samples of cerebellar, testicular and epididymal tissues were used for both colorimetric assays of oxidative stress markers and histopathological examinations. Significant decreases in the sperm count, percent total sperm motility, serum thiamine levels, free testosterone levels and FSH levels were observed in the MTZ and MTZ + GP groups (p < 0.05 for all parameters). Significantly higher oxidative stress levels (p < 0.05) were observed in the cerebellar and testicular tissue homogenates of these groups than in those of the control group, and associated disruptions in the cerebellar, testicular and epididymal structures were apparent compared to those of the control group. Although the GP group showed a significantly higher sperm count and significantly lower oxidative stress than the control group (p < 0.05), with histological similarity to the control group, the GP group exhibited significantly higher prolactin levels and lower free testosterone and FSH levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress and decreased thiamine levels could explain the MTZ-induced neurotoxicity and infertility side effects that aggravated by GP co-administration.

FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis

We herein provide an overview of the single-ingredient U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that affect human spermatogenesis, potentially resulting in a negative impact on male fertility. To provide this information, we performed an in-depth search of DailyMed, the official website for FDA-approved drug labels. Not surprisingly, hormone-based agents were found to be the drugs most likely to affect human spermatogenesis. The next category of drugs most likely to have effects on spermatogenesis was the antineoplastic agents. Interestingly, the DailyMed labels indicated that several anti-inflammatory drugs affect spermatogenesis, which is not supported by the peer-reviewed literature. Overall, there were a total of 65 labels for drugs of various classes that showed that they have the potential to affect human sperm production and maturation. We identified several drugs indicated to be spermatotoxic in the drug labels that were not reported in the peer-reviewed literature. However, the details about the effects of these drugs on human spermatogenesis are largely lacking, the mechanisms are often unknown, and the clinical impact of many of the findings is currently unclear. Therefore, additional work is needed at both the basic research level and during clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance to fill the gaps in the current knowledge. The present findings will be of interest to physicians and pharmacists, researchers, and those involved in drug development and health care policy.

Evidence of Some Natural Products with Antigenotoxic Effects. Part 1: Fruits and Polysaccharides

Cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. The agents capable of causing damage to genetic material are known  as genotoxins and, according to their mode of action, are classified into mutagens, carcinogens or teratogens. Genotoxins are  involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic degenerative diseases including hepatic, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular  disorders, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, chronic inflammation and ageing. In recent decades, researchers have found novel bioactive  phytocompounds able to counteract the effects of physical and chemical mutagens. Several  studies  have  shown potential antigenotoxicity in a variety of fruits. In this review (Part 1), we present an overview of research conducted on some fruits (grapefruit, cranberries, pomegranate, guava, pineapple, and mango) which are frequentl consumed by humans, as well as  the  analysis of some phytochemicals extracted from fruits and yeasts which have demonstrated antigenotoxic capacity in various  tests, including the Ames assay, sister chromatid exchange, chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus and comet assay.

Reduction of Dacarbazine cytogenetic effects on somatic cells in male mice using bee glue (Propolis) to manifest the scientific miracles in the Quran

Objective

This study was carried out to investigate the ability of Propolis to ameliorate the adverse cytogenetic effects of Dacarbazine on bone marrow cells

Methods

In this experimental in vivo study, 18 mice were used, divided into four groups: control group; Propolis-treated group (treated with 50mg/kg Propolis); and Dacarbazine-treated group (treated with 3.5mg/kg Dacarbazine). The fourth, fifth, and sixth were treated with Dacarbazine and Propolis as pre 2h, post 2h, and concomitant treatment. After five days, the Bone Marrow (BM) samples were obtained for cytogenetic investigation.

Results

The in vivo studies revealed that Dacarbazine induced an abnormalities in polychromatic erythrocytes cells (PECs) as increase of cell with micronuclei, while the dual treatment accompanied with improvement of this abnormalities.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that there are protective effects of Propolis against the adverse effects of Dacarbazine. It could be recommended to use Propolis as an adjuvant with chemotherapeutic agents.

Effect of Excess Iodine on Oxidative Stress Markers, Steroidogenic-Enzyme Activities, Testicular Morphology, and Functions in Adult Male Rats

Improper iodine intake is a major concern in public health. Chronic intake of low iodine affects gonadal functions of man and animals; however, such effects of excess iodine in male reproduction, specially on testicular morphology, testicular steroidogenic enzyme activities, sperm morphology, sperm viability, and sperm count including male hormonal profiles in reference to iodine status and thyroid hormone profiles are yet to be explored. With this background, adult male rats of 120 ± 10 gm Bw of 90 ± 5 days were divided broadly in two groups depending on the duration of the treatment for 30 and 60 days, respectively. Both the groups consisted of control animals. Excess iodine (100EI), i.e., 100 times more than its recommended level but within its tolerable ranges, was administered through gavage regularly to the first group of experimental animals for 30 and 60 days, respectively, and excessive iodine (500EI), i.e., 500 times more than its recommended level and above tolerable range in the same way and for the same durations, was administered to the other group of experimental animals. Overall results revealed that regular consumption of iodine in excess impairs reproductive functions in adult male rats depending on the dose and duration of its exposure through different mechanisms. Excess iodine accumulates in the testis which results in generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as evidenced by higher lipid peroxidation level as well as an imbalance in the pro-/antioxidant status inhibiting the activity of ∆(5) 3β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β-HSD resulting to reduced synthesis of testosterone that causes structural and functional changes of the testis. Secondly, persistent generation of ROS in testis as a result of prolonged excess iodine exposure affects hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that stimulates synthesis and secretion of corticosterone which inhibits LH release that downregulates testosterone synthesis causing further testicular disruption. Thirdly, excess iodine when administered above its tolerable ranges for prolonged duration acts on thyroid itself developing a state of biochemical hypothyroidism (as evident by low T3) which further potentiate the disrupting effect of excess iodine on male gonads by reducing circulating testosterone level.

Effects of chronic amiodarone treatment on rat testis

Amiodarone is a potent agent used to treat tachyarrhythmias, which are especially refractory to other medications, in both adults and children. Although widely used as an antiarrhythmic drug, amiodarone causes many serious adverse effects that limit its use. This study investigated the possible morphological and apoptotic effects of amiodarone on rat testes. Amiodarone was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats at doses of 20 or 200mg/kg/day for 14 days. A histopathological examination of testicular tissue revealed the presence of inflammatory cells in the seminiferous tubule lumen together with swelling and vacuolization in the cytoplasm of some spermatogonia; these effects occured in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical staining showed evidence of apoptosis, including caspase-3, caspase-9, Bax and increased DNA fragmentation was detected via a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay. In conclusion, the results show that chronic amiodarone treatment causes dose-dependent degenerative and apoptotic effects on rat testes.

Evaluation of lemon fruit extract as an antioxidant agent against histopathological changes induced by cyclophosphamide in the testes of albino mice

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of lemon fruit extracts (LFE) against histopathological changes induced in the testes of male mice treated with cyclophosphamide (CP).

Methods

Thirty male mice were divided evenly into six groups: 1) group 1: the controls, 2) group 2: treated with LFE (10 ml/kg b wt.), 3) group 3: treated with CP (10 mg/kg b wt.), 4) group 4: treated with CP (20 mg/kg b wt.), 5) group 5: treated with LFE (10 ml/kg) + CP (10 mg/kg), 6) group 6: treated with LFE (10 ml/kg) + CP (20 mg/kg).

Results

Histological examination of the testes of mice treated with CP revealed histopathological changes, such as atrophy, degeneration, incomplete spermatogenic series in most seminiferous tubules, and spermatogenic necrosis with pyknotic nuclei. Advanced degree of improvement was seen in testes of mice treated with LFE co-administered with CP. Most of the seminiferous tubules restored their normal structure and spermatogenic layers appeared semi-normal with complete spermatogenic series.

Conclusion

Lemon fruit extract in conjunction with drug treatment protects the testicular tissue against CP-induced testicular injury in mice.

The protective effect of lemon fruit extract on histopathological changes induced in small intestines and pancreas of male mice by cyclophosphamide

Introduction

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is alkylating agent and the most commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for various types of cancer; it causes severe toxicity. The aim of the research was to assess the protective effect of lemon fruit extract (LFE) against the side effects of the anti-cancer drug “cyclophosphamide” (CP).

Methods

This experimental study was conducted in 2015. Thirty male mice were divided into six groups: group A (control): intraperitoneal injection of saline, group B: oral LFE (10ml/kg), group C: intraperitoneal injection of CP (10 mg/kg), group D: intraperitoneal injection of CP (20 mg/kg), group E: intraperitoneal injection of CP (10 mg/kg) and oral LFE (10 ml/kg), and group F: intraperitoneal injection of CP (20 mg/kg) and oral LFE (10 ml/kg). All groups were treated daily for five consecutive days.

Results

The results of the group treated with the drug C and D was that, in their intestines, the effect was uneven between a severe to a sharp effect, and there was a lack of dense connective tissue and its collagen fibers and fat cells, the intestinal glands or crypt of Lieberkühn appeared few in number and distorted in composition when compared with control A, as the pancreas appeared divided into several lobes containing small numbers of pancreatic Acini, padded with secretory pyramid-shaped cells, although some of them appeared exaggerated. While treatment in group E and F resulted in the intestines and pancreas appearing to be semi-normal; regarding the pancreas, it showed an observed improvement more than the response of the intestines.

Conclusion

The results support the protective effect of lemon fruit extract against CP-induced intestinal and pancreatic injury.