Co-administration of pentoxifylline and thiopental causes death by acute pulmonary oedema in rats

A century of exercise physiology: lung fluid balance during and following exercise

PURPOSE

This review recalls the principles developed over a century to describe trans-capillary fluid exchanges concerning in particular the lung during exercise, a specific condition where dyspnea is a leading symptom, the question being whether this symptom simply relates to fatigue or also implies some degree of lung edema.

METHOD

Data from experimental models of lung edema are recalled aiming to: (1) describe how extravascular lung water is strictly controlled by "safety factors" in physiological conditions, (2) consider how waning of "safety factors" inevitably leads to development of lung edema, (3) correlate data from experimental models with data from exercising humans.

RESULTS

Exercise is a strong edemagenic condition as the increase in cardiac output leads to lung capillary recruitment, increase in capillary surface for fluid exchange and potential increase in capillary pressure. The physiological low microvascular permeability may be impaired by conditions causing damage to the interstitial matrix macromolecular assembly leading to alveolar edema and haemorrhage. These conditions include hypoxia, cyclic alveolar unfolding/folding during hyperventilation putting a tensile stress on septa, intensity and duration of exercise as well as inter-individual proneness to develop lung edema.

CONCLUSION

Data from exercising humans showed inter-individual differences in the dispersion of the lung ventilation/perfusion ratio and increase in oxygen alveolar-capillary gradient. More recent data in humans support the hypothesis that greater vasoconstriction, pulmonary hypertension and slower kinetics of alveolar-capillary O2 equilibration relate with greater proneness to develop lung edema due higher inborn microvascular permeability possibly reflecting the morpho-functional features of the air-blood barrier.

Reproductive effects of Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extract in female Wistar rats

Current researches aim at identifying modifiable risk factors for infertility, particularly dietary lifestyle. Abelmoschus esculentus is one of the important vegetables in the human diet with reported valuable nutrients but has been linked with reproductive dysfunction in males. This study investigated the reproductive effects of Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extract in female Wistar rats. Dried Abelmoschus esculentus fruit was extracted with methanol. Fifteen female Wistar rats (180–200 g) grouped into three (n = 5) received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), 70 and 200 mg/kg/day of the extract once daily for 21 days via oral gavage. The estrous cycle was assessed using Marcondes and Papanicolaou methods. The histology of the tissues was evaluated by microscopy. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estrogen levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue antioxidant activities and malondialdehyde levels were assayed by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using the Analysis of variance at a significance of p < 0.05. The estrous cycle of the Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extracts treated rats showed normal cellular characteristics. Though Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extract increased the antioxidant activities, it reduced the body weight and follicle-stimulating hormone level and caused severe inflammation and fibrosis of the ovary and uterus. Abelmoschus esculentus fruit methanol extract adversely altered the reproductive functions of female Wistar rats by disrupting the ovarian and uterine cytology and reducing hormone levels.

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Reproductive effects of Abelmoschus esculentus Fruit Methanol Extract were assessed.

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Follicle-stimulating hormone level was reduced.

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Fibrosis and inflammation of the ovary and uterus were observed.

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Abelmoschus esculentus Fruit Methanol Extract may contain infertility causing agents.

Allium cepa Linn juice protect against alterations in reproductive functions induced by maternal dexamethsone treatment during lactation in male offspring of Wistar rats

Treatment with dams with dexamethasone during lactation has been reported to induce oxidative stress in the testis of the offspring. Allium cepa L (Red Onion) is known to be a potent free radical scavenger. The protective role of Allium cepa against oxidative stress induced in testis following treatment with dexamehasone during lactation in Wistar rats was assessed. Twenty female rats were assigned into four groups (n = 5) during lactation and they were treated as follows: Group 1 serve as Control (distilled water), Group 2, 3, and four were admistered dexamethasone (60 μg/kg), Allium cepa (5 ml/kg) and dexamethasone + Allium cepa respectively. Testicular descent, pubertal age, sperm quality indices, and serum hormonal profile were assessed as indices of reproductive function. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were assessed as measures of oxidative stress. Results obtained showed that dexamethasone caused significant (P < 0.05) reduction in testes weights, indices of sperm quality, serum testosterone, FSH, LH levels and testicular antioxidant enzyme activities. There was significant delay (P < 0.05) in days of testes descent, preputial separation and increase in testicular MDA. However, maternal treatment with Allium cepa Linn juice significantly (P < 0.05) improved both indices of reproductive function and testicular antioxidant enzymes. These findings suggest that Allium cepa Linn has a protective effect against testicular oxidative stress and reproductive dysfunction following treatment of dams with dexamethasone during lactation.

Saccharum officinarum juice alters reproductive functions in male Wistar rats

Infertility is a problem across almost all cultures and societies. Problems in the male partner, especially as a result of unhealthy dietary habits, are the commonest single group of course. Many populations, therefore, tend more toward the use of natural dietary substitutes opined to proffer less risk to reproductive functions and more health benefits. Saccharum officinarum juice (SOJ) is a widely consumed, energy-rich, nutritious substance that has many minerals and enzymes. Saccharum officinarum plant was reported to have anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. This study evaluated the reproductive effects of S. officinarum juice in male Wistar rats. A sugarcane press juicer was used to extract S. officinarum juice. Twenty male Wistar rats (100-120 g) grouped into four (n = 5) received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), and 1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg/day of fresh S. officinarum juice once daily for 8 weeks via gavage. Sperm analysis, histology of testes and epididymides were evaluated by microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in assessing the serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance at a significance of p < 0.05. SOJ increased fasting blood glucose levels in 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg groups. The 10.0 mL/kg juice caused a significant increase in testosterone level and sperm count, and it also increased the percentage of aberrant sperm and decreased sperm viability. Saccharum officinarum juice impaired the histological integrity of the testes and epididymides. Thus, S. officinarum juice adversely altered the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats by reducing sperm quality and disrupting testicular architecture.

Saccharum officinarum molasses adversely alters reproductive functions in male wistar rats

The widely reported anti-androgenic effects of refined sugar led to the exploration of safer alternatives. Saccharum officinarum molasses (SOM), a byproduct of sugar processing is gaining popularity as a substitute. This study investigated the effects of SOM and compared them to those of refined sugar on male reproductive functions. Blackstrap® Saccharum officinarum molasses were subjected to phytochemical screening and proximate analysis and fractionated to obtain methanol (SOMMF) and aqueous (SOMAqF) fractions. Twelve groups (n = 5) of adult male Wistar rats received distilled water (Control); 0.8, 2.5, 7.9 g/kg SOM; 0.0064 g/kg sugar (Dangote®); 0.0064 g/kg sugar+7.9 g/kg SOM; 1.0, 3.2, 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 0.6, 2.0, 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF, respectively. Administrations were done daily by oral gavage for eight weeks. Sperm profile and testicular and epididymal histology were assessed using microscopy. Serum testosterone was quantified using ELISA. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) was assayed by spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count and viability reduced with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Abnormal sperms increased with 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar, 2.0 and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testosterone level reduced with 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Testicular MDA increased with SOM, 3.2 and 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF. Seminiferous tubules and epididymal ducts of 7.9 g/kg SOM, Sugar and SOMAqF-treated rats showed anomalies. Saccharum officinarum molasses altered testicular and epididymal integrity via lipid peroxidation, thus reducing sperm quality and androgen levels in male Wistar rats.

The effect of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit on testicular functions in rats

The prevalence of male infertility is a well-known public health issue with majority of cases due to deficient sperm production of unknown origin. Studies have associated dietary habits with male factor infertility. Chrysophyllum albidum is a common plant that produces a popular fruit, widely consumed for its nutritional and medicinal values. This study investigates the effects of C. albidum fruit methanol extract on the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats. Ripe C. albidum fruit was extracted using methanol and subjected to phytochemical screening. Fifteen male Wistar rats (100-120 g) divided into three (n = 5) received distilled water (control), 1.0 and 6.4 g kg^-1  day^-1 extract, respectively, for 28 days via oral gavage. The sperm count, motility, percentage sperm aberration, histology of testes and epididymides were examined by microscopy. Serum levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone were quantified using ELISA. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Sperm count significantly increased in 6.4 g kg^-1  day^-1 extract. Serum testosterone level decreased in 1.0 and 6.4 g kg^-1  day^-1 extract. The architecture of sections of testes and epididymides showed anomalies. C. albidum fruit adversely altered reproductive functions of male Wistar rat.

Analysis of the effect of locally applied inhomogeneous static magnetic field-exposure on mouse ear edema--a double blind study

The effect static magnetic field (SMF)-exposure may exert on edema development has been investigated. A 6 h long whole-body (WBSMF) or local (LSMF), continuous, inhomogeneous SMF-exposure was applied on anesthetized mice in an in vivo model of mustard oil (MO)-induced ear edema. LSMF was applied below the treated ear, below the lumbar spine, or below the mandible. Ear thickness (v) was checked 8 times during the exposure period (at 0, 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 h). The effect size of the applied treatment (η) on ear thickness was calculated by the formula η = 100% × (1–v_j/v_i), where group i is the control group and j is the treated group. Results showed that MO treatment in itself induced a significant ear edema with an effect of 9% (p<0.001). WBSMF or LSMF on the spine in combination with MO treatment increased ear thickness even further resulting in an effect of η>11% in both cases compared to SMF-exposure alone (p<0.001). In these cases SMF-exposure alone without MO treatment reduced ear thickness significantly (p<0.05), but within estimated experimental error. In cases of LSMF-exposure on the head, a significant SMF-exposure induced ear thickness reduction was found (η = 5%, p<0.05). LSMF-exposure on the spine affected ear thickness with and without MO treatment almost identically, which provides evidence that the place of local SMF action may be in the lower spinal region.

[Anti-inflammatory effects of pentoxifylline: importance in cardiac surgery]

Initially introduced as a rheologic agent for use in intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease and in ischemic cerebrovascular disease, the methylxanthine derivative pentoxifylline (PTX) has been shown to possess several anti-inflammatory properties which make this drug an interesting immunomodulating adjunct for the management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. As an unspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor PTX ameliorates the inflammatory response following a septic stimulus and blunts organ dysfunction after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Apart from this several small clinical studies have shown that the use of PTX may blunt the inflammatory response induced by cardiac surgery using a cardiopulmonary bypass. Additionally it has been shown that the perioperative application of this drug may improve postoperative function of organs at risk, such as the kidneys and liver.