Synergistic effects of auraptene and 17-β estradiol on traumatic brain injury treatment: oxidant/antioxidant status, inflammatory cytokines and pathology

OBJECTIVE

Despite significant advances that have been made in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI), it remains a global health issue. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of 17-β estradiol (E2) and auraptene (AUR) on TBI treatment.

METHODS

In total, 70 adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into ten main groups: Sham, TBI, TBI + DMSO, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg), TBI + E2 group, TBI + AUR (4 mg/kg) + E2 group, TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg) + E2 group and TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg) + E2 group. Diffuse TBI was caused by the Marmarou process in male rats. The brain's tissues were harvested to check the parameters of oxidative stress and levels of inflammatory cytokine.

RESULTS

The finding revealed that TBI induced a significant increase in brain edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidant levels [MDA and NO], and also a decrease in the brain's antioxidant biomarkers [GPx, SOD]. We also found that E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) significantly preserved the levels of these biomarkers. The combination of AUR concentrations and E2 showed that this treatment efficiently preserved the levels of these biomarkers. Furthermore, the combination of E2 and AUR (25 mg/kg) c could cause the most effective synergistic interaction.

CONCLUSION

AUR could act synergistically with E2 to treat brain injury complications.

Anticancer mechanisms of Berberine: a good choice for glioblastoma multiforme therapy

The most typical malignant brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), seems to have a grim outcome, despite the intensive multi-modality interventions. Literature suggests that biologically active phytomolecules may exert anticancer properties by regulating several signaling pathways. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, has various pharmacological applications to combat severe diseases like cancer. Mechanistically, Berberine inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, suppresses tumor angiogenesis, and induces cell apoptosis. The effect of the antitumoral effect of Berberine in GBM is increasingly recognized. This review sheds new light on the regulatory signaling mechanisms of Berberine in various cancer, proposing its potential role as a therapeutic agent for GBM. ‎.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of curcumin on thyroid gland disorders

There is growing literature on the positive therapeutic potentials of curcumin. Curcumin or diferuloylmethane is a polyphenol obtained from the plant Curcuma longa. Curcumin has been used widely in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various conditions. The role of curcumin on thyroid glands has been shown by its effects on various biological pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, apoptosis, angiogenesis, cell cycle and metastasis. We reviewed the recent literature on curcumin applications for thyroid dysfunction, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and discussed the molecular mechanisms of these effects. This review aims to summarize the wealth of research related to the thyroid gland therapeutic effect of curcumin.

Effects of prolactin on movement disorders and APOE, GFAP, and PRL receptor gene expression following intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

OBJECTIVES

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs mostly in the striatum. In ICH, blood prolactin level increases 3-fold. The effects of intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of prolactin on motor disorders will be investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was performed on 32 male Wistar rats in 4 groups: sham, ICH, and prolactin with 1 μg/2 μl (P1) and 2 μg/2 μl (P2) doses.

RESULTS

The weight of animals on days 1 (P˂0.01), 3, and 7 (P˂0.05) in the sham and P2 groups increased compared with the ICH group. Neurological Deficit Score (NDS) in ICH and P1 groups decreased, and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. NDS in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group on days 1 (P˂0.0 5), 3, and 7 (P˂0.001). The duration time of rotarod in ICH and P1 groups decreased and increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001), respectively. The duration time of rotarod in the P1 group on days 3 and 7 increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001). Travel distance in days 1(P˂0.01), 3(P˂0.001), and 7(P˂0.01) decreased in the ICH group. Prolactin receptor (PRL receptor) expression in ICH, P1, and P2 groups increased compared with sham and ICH groups (P˂0.001). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression (P˂0.001) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) (P˂0.01) expression in the ICH group increased compared with the sham group. GFAP and APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the ICH group (P˂0.001). APOE expression in the P1 group increased compared with the P2 group (P˂0.001).

CONCLUSION

According to the results, prolactin reduces movement disorders.

A comparison between the effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical parameters of polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Objective:

The effect of trans-anethole and metformin on biochemical and hormonal changes of testosterone-induced Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in rats was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Female Wister rats (n=48) were randomly divided into six groups: control; PCOS; PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg); and PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). PCOS was induced by intraperitoneal injection of testosterone (1 mg/kg/day) for 35 days. After induction of PCOS, trans-anethole and metformin were given orally for 30 days. Finally, blood sugar, insulin, lipid profile, and testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) as well as animals’ weight, and water and food intake were determined.

Results:

In all treated and untreated PCOS groups, serum testosterone levels were significantly increased compared to the control group (p<0.001 for all groups). Treatment of rats with trans-anethole or metformin significantly reduced serum levels of cholesterol, insulin, triglycerides, testosterone and DHEAS (only in PCOS+trans-anethole groups) compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001). Weight gain in the PCOS animals increased significantly compared to the control group (p<0.001), while in the metformin- and trans-anethole (40 and 80)-treated animals it decreased significantly compared to the PCOS group (p<0.01-p<0.001).

Conclusion:

These results showed that trans-anethole significantly decreased serum levels of insulin, DHEAS and blood lipids. It can be concluded that trans-anethole ameliorates PCOS biochemical and hormonal change in PCOS rats; therefore, it might be suggested as a beneficial remedy for further clinical evaluations in PCOS patients.

Neuroprotective effects of auraptene following traumatic brain injury in male rats: The role of oxidative stress

AIM

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is widely acknowledged as a significant risk factor for death and disability. Our goal in this experiment was to see if Auraptene (AUR) could help rats recover from TBI-induced disability by measuring of oxidative stress parameters.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of six groups: sham, TBI, Vehicle (DMSO), TBI+ AUR (4 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (8 mg/kg), TBI + AUR (25 mg/kg). The animals were anesthetized. After that, diffuse TBI was done by Marmarou model in male rats. Then, the brain tissues were harvested. Some of oxidative stress parameters, and TNFα levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

TBI-induced brain damage was significantly inhibited by AUR (25 mg/kg), as evidenced by decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels, oxidative stress inhibition and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in the brain.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that probably the AUR prevents complications of TBI through decreases in brain edema, modulating oxidative stress, and reductions in the levels of inflammatory cytokines.

The ameliorating approach of nanorobotics in the novel drug delivery systems: a mechanistic review

Nanoscale robotics have the ability that it can productively transform multiple energy sources into motion and strength which reflects an expeditiously appearing and captivating area for research of robotics. In today's plethora, biomedical nanorobotics played an intricate character with numerous units of robots working at the pathological site in a coordinated manner. The synergistic action of the several nanorobotics has been employed for the fulfilment of the task such as large-scale detoxification, delivery of the large pharmacological/therapeutic efficacious payloads, etc. that is nearly unfeasible or unalterable practically by using single nanorobot. The collective intelligence of the nanorobot is advancing progressively at the nanoscale to reinforce their precision treatment potentially. Conclusively, after obtaining certain consideration regarding the nanorobotics sciences, many professionals are compendiously involving in the emerging highly efficacious therapeutic technology that encourages the scientist or designing of the tissues specific for the site-specific nanorobotic diagnostic devices. As a result, the closed and professional type between the field of Nanotechnology and Medical Sciences will provide another new highly oriented level to the domain of nanorobotics.

Vitamin C improves liver and renal functions in hypothyroid rats by reducing tissue oxidative injury

Background: The effects of Vit C on liver and renal function and the tissues oxidative damage was investigated in hypothyroid rats. Materials and methods: The pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n=6): (1) Control; (2) Propylthiouracil (PTU; 0.005%), (3-5) PTU plus 10, 100 or 500 mg/kg b.w. Vit C. The drugs were added to the drinking water of the dams and their pups during lactation period and then continued for the offspring through the first 8 weeks of their life. Finally, 7 male offspring from each group were randomly selected. Results: Thyroxine, protein and albumin concentrations in the serum and thiol content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in renal and liver tissues of hypothyroid group was lower (all P<0.001) while, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALK-P), creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations in the serum and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and renal tissues were higher than the control (all P<0.001). All doses of Vit C increased thyroxine, protein and albumin and thiol content in in renal and liver tissues while, decreased AST, ALT and ALK-P concentration and MDA in liver and renal tissues compared to PTU group (P<0.05-P<0.001). Creatinine, BUN and SOD and CAT were improved by both 100 and 500 mg/kg of Vit C in the renal (P<0.05-P<0.001) and by 100 mg/kg in the liver (P<0.05-P<0.001). Conclusion: Vit C improved liver and renal function of hypothyroid rats which might be due to its protective effects against tissues oxidative damage.

A review of the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene

There is a growing awareness in herbal medications as they are usually safe and devoid of significant adverse effects. Auraptene is a natural bioactive monoterpene coumarin ether and is consumed all over the world. There is growing evidence of the therapeutic benefits of auraptene. Auraptene, also known as auraptene and 7-geranyloxycoumarin, is a bioactive monoterpene coumarin from Rutaceae family, which is isolated from Citrus aurantium (Seville orange) and Aegle marmelos (bael fruit). Auraptene is a highly pleiotropic molecule, which can modulate intracellular signaling pathways that control inflammation, cell growth, and apoptosis. It has a potential therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as its excellent safety profile. In the present article, various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of auraptene were reviewed. Different online databases using keywords such as auraptene, therapeutic effects and pharmacological effects were searched until the end of September 2018, for this purpose. Auraptene has been suggested to be effective in the treatment of a broad range of disorders including inflammatory disorders, dysentery, wounds, scars, keloids, and pain. In addition, different studies have demonstrated that auraptene possesses numerous pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive and anti-cancer as well as neuroprotective effects. The present review provides a detailed survey of scientific researches regarding pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects of auraptene.

Medicinal plants in traumatic brain injury: Neuroprotective mechanisms revisited

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most prevalent health problem affecting all age groups, and leads to many secondary problems in other organs especially kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and heart function. In this review, the search terms were TBI, fluid percussion injury, cold injury, weight drop impact acceleration injury, lateral fluid percussion, cortical impact injury, and blast injury. Studies with Actaea racemosa, Artemisia annua, Aframomum melegueta, Carthamus tinctorius, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Crocus sativus, Cnidium monnieri, Curcuma longa, Gastrodia elata, Malva sylvestris, Da Chuanxiong Formula, Erigeron breviscapus, Panax ginseng, Salvia tomentosa, Satureja khuzistanica, Nigella sativa, Drynaria fortune, Dracaena cochinchinensis, Polygonum cuspidatum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Rheum tanguticum, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma zedoaria show a significant decrease in neuronal injury by different mechanisms such as increasing superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, suppressing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin 1 (IL-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein, and IL-6 expression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of medicinal plants in central nervous system pathologies by reviewing the available literature.

THE EFFECT OF MELATONIN AGAINST GASTRIC OXIDATIVE STRESS AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of MT against gastric oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, MT 5 mg/kg+ STZ, MT 10 mg/kg+ STZ and MT 20 mg/kg+ STZ. STZ (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (ip) injected as a single dose for diabetes induction. One week after STZ administration, MT was injected daily as ip for 14 days. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol and glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured in gastric tissue. Serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were also determined.

RESULTS

Serum glucose significantly increased in diabetic group compared to control group. STZ induced a significant decrease in gastric tissue levels of total thiol, glutathione, catalase and SOD activities and a significant increase in MDA concentration. In diabetic rats, serum TG, LDL and TC were significantly higher and HDL was significantly lower than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with MT caused a significant increase in gastric total thiol content and glutathione concentration as well as SOD and catalase activities. Gastric MDA concentration and serum LDL, TG and TC were significantly lower in MT-treated groups when compared with diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that MT has a therapeutic effect on gastric oxidative damage and dyslipidemia induced by diabetes that possibly may be due to its antioxidant effects.

Serum Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients with Senile Cataract and Healthy Controls

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of oxidative stress in patients with senile cataract.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran, from 2014 to 2015.

METHODOLOGY

Non-randomised sampling was conducted on 74 patients with senile cataract and 79 healthy people. The oxidative stress level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were measured in serum. The results were analysed using SPSS software and followed by t-test analysis. P<0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

The median activity of GPx and SOD antioxidant enzymes in patients with cataract, was higher than healthy people (p=0.018 and p<0.0001, respectively). Peroxide-antioxidant (PAB) levels in patients with cataract was significantly higher than in healthy people (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that despite the high level of oxidative stress in patients, the activity rate of GPx and SOD enzymes also increased.

THE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF ESTRADIOL & PROGESTERONE IN MALE RATS, FOLLOWING GASTRIC ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION

Background and Aim

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury frequently occurs in different situations. Female sex hormones have a protective function. The purpose of this study was to determine the function of female sexual hormones on the gastric damage induced by I/R in male rats.

Methods

Forty (40) Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: intact, ischemia- reperfusion (IR), IR + estradiol (1mg/kg), IR + progesterone (16 mg / kg) and IR + combination of estradiol (1mg / kg) and progesterone (16 mg/ kg). Before the onset of ischemia and before reperfusion all treatments were done by intraperitoneal (IP) injection. After animal anesthesia and laparotomy, celiac artery was occluded for 30 minutes and then circulation was established for 24 hours. Results expressed as mean ± SEM and P <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The Glutathione (GSH) concentration significantly decreased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Estradiol (P<0.001) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.001) significantly increased GSH levels. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Different treatments significantly reduced MPO levels (P<0.001). The gastric acid concentration significantly increased after induction of gastric IR (P<0.001). Treatment with estradiol, progesterone (P<0.05) and combined estradiol and progesterone (P<0.01) significantly reduced gastric acid levels. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration decreased after induction of gastric IR. The SOD levels were not significant.

Conclusion

These data suggested that female sexual steroids have a therapeutic effect on gastrointestinal ischemic disorders by reduction of MPO and gastric acid, and increasing gastric GSH & SOD levels following gastric IR.

Protective effect of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we elucidated the ameliorative effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Mumiju against acetic acid-induced experimental colitis in male rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=7) including I: control group, II: vehicle group (injected with 2 ml acetic acid (4%) intra rectally), III and IV: treatment groups which received Mumiju (250 mg/kg) orally or intraperitoneally for 4 consecutive days after ulcer induction. Ulcer index, severity of inflammation, colonic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and histological changes were recorded after the treatment regimen of 4 days.

RESULTS

The ulcer index, severity of inflammation and colonic MDA levels were increased following intrarectal instillation of acetic acid. Also, acetic acid significantly decreased the SOD and GSH levels. Treatment with Mumiju for 4 days exhibited significantly lowered oxidative stress, while elevated of SOD and GSH levels. Regenerative-healing patterns also was seen by histopathological findings after treatment with Mumiju.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation demonstrates that Mumiju could be regarded as a herb with potent therapeutic value in the amelioration of experimental colitis in laboratory animals by modulation of oxidant- antioxidant system.

The prevention and treatment effects of egg yolk high density lipoprotein on the formation of atherosclerosis plaque in rabbits

OBJECTIVES

Atherosclerosis is the main leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential preventive effect of egg yolk HDL on the atherosclerosis plaque formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: A; normal diet, B; hyper-cholesterolemic diet, C; hypercholesterolemic + 400 mg/kg egg yolk HDL D; hypercholesterolemic +100 mg/kg egg yolk HDL and E; 200 mg/kg egg yolk HDL. At the end of the experiment, the lipid profiles were measured by spectrophotometric method. The histological sections of thoracic aorta also were taken and analyzed under light microscope.

RESULTS

At the end of the 2(nd) and the 4(th) weeks, there was a significant increase of cholesterol level in groups B, C, and D compared to group A (P<0.05). Following HDL treatment, triglyceride (TG) levels increased significantly versus group A and also the TG level decreased significantly in group C, D, and E versus group B (P<0.01). Egg yolk HDL significantly increased HDL-C in groups C, D, and E (P<0.01) compared to groups A and B (P<0.05). The surface area of the atherosclerotic plaque was increased significantly in group B versus group A (P<0.001). Egg yolk HDL consumption reduced the plaque size significantly (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that treatment with egg yolk HDL increased serum HDL-C and decreased atherosclerotic plaque size in rabbits. Thus, egg yolk HDL may be considered as an anti-atherosclerotic treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

The effects of female sexual steroids on gastric function and barrier resistance of gastrointestinal tract following traumatic brain injury

AIM

The aim was to assess the alteration of gastric function and barrier function of gastrointestinal (GI) tract following diffuse brain injury in varying ovarian hormone status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diffuse traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced by Marmarou method. Rats were randomly assigned into 10 groups: Intact, sham + ovariectomized female (OVX), TBI, TBI + OVX, vehicle, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), E2 + P, estrogen receptor alpha agonist and estrogen receptor beta agonist (DPN). Endotoxin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All the parameters were measured 5 days after TBI.

RESULTS

Intragastric pressure was significantly decreased in TBI as compared to the intact group (P < 0.001) and this was lower in TBI group versus TBI + OVX group (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with steroid hormones and their agonists did not have any effect on the gastric pressure compared to TBI + OVX or vehicle groups. Inflammation, congestion, ulcer and erosion were seen in the TBI rats. All treatment groups worsen the tissue condition so that the presence of thrombosis also was seen. The trauma induction did not have any effect on the serum and intestinal endotoxin levels. DPN had caused a significant reduction in serum levels of endotoxin compared with OVX + TBI group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment with sexual steroids is not useful in the treatment of GI dysfunction induced by TBI. The treatment with all sexual female hormones worsens the gastric tissue condition. Furthermore, the applied weight was not enough for releasing of endotoxin. It seems that estrogen reduced the endotoxin levels by estrogen beta receptor.

Ulcer healing activity of Mumijo aqueous extract against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats

Objective:

Gastric ulcer is an important clinical problem, chiefly due to extensive use of some drugs. The aim was to assess the activity of Mumijo extract (which is used in traditional medicine) against acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The aqueous extract of Mumijo was prepared. Animals were randomly (n = 10) divided into four groups: Control, sham-operated group (received 0.2 ml of acetic acid to induce gastric ulcer), Mumijo (100 mg/kg/daily) were given for 4 days postacetic acid administration, and ranitidine group (20 mg/kg). The assessed parameters were pH and pepsin levels (by Anson method) of gastric contents and gastric histopathology. Ranitidine was used as reference anti-ulcer drug.

Results:

The extract (100 mg/kg/daily, p.o.) inhibited acid acetic-induced gastric ulceration by elevating its pH versus sham group (P < 0.01) and decreasing the pepsin levels compared to standard drug, ranitidine (P < 0.05). The histopathology data showed that the treatment with Mumijo extract had a significant protection against all mucosal damages.

Conclusion:

Mumijo extract has potent antiulcer activity. Its anti-ulcer property probably acts via a reduction in gastric acid secretion and pepsin levels. The obtained results support the use of this herbal material in folk medicine.

The effects of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on the gastric emptying and small intestine transit in the male rats following traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of COX-2 selective inhibitor (Celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (Ibuprofen) on gastrointestinal motility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

THE RATS WERE RANDOMLY DIVIDED INTO FIVE GROUPS INCLUDING: intact, sham, traumatic brain injury (TBI) group (intact rats under TBI), Celecoxib group (10 mg/kg), Ibuprofen group (10 mg/kg). Rats of the treatment groups received gavages at 1 hr before the TBI induction. The TBI was moderate and diffused using the Marmarou method. The gastric emptying and small intestine transit were measured by phenol red method.

RESULTS

The gastric emptying didn't change following TBI induction compared to intact group. The consumption of ibuprofen or celecoxib didn't have any effect on gastric emptying compared to sham group. TBI induction didn't have any effect on the intestinal transit. Also, there was no significant difference between ibuprofen or celecoxib consumption vs. sham group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The COX-2 selective inhibitor (celecoxib) or non-selective COX inhibitor (ibuprofen) have no effects on gastric or small bowel transit. Further work is necessary to investigate the effects of non-selective COX inhibitors and their impact on gastrointestinal motility disorders.

The effects of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid- induced gastric ulcer in male rats

OBJECTIVE

Gut-brain axis (GBA) is very important in creation and modulation of gastrointestinal problems. Aloe vera gel has gastroprotective properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaves on the gastric acid secretion and brain and intestinal water content following acetic acid gastric ulcer induction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gastric ulcer was induced by injection of 20% acetic acid into the subserosal layer in male rats. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups: intact group, gastric ulcer group and Aloe vera group (treatment with Aloe vera following gastric ulcer induction). The acid levels and brain and intestinal water content of each sample were measured eight days after the gastric ulcer induction.

RESULTS

Gastric acid levels were significantly decreased in Aloe vera group when compared with gastric ulcer group (p<0.05). However, there were no differences in acid output between gastric ulcer and Aloe vera groups with intact group. After Aloe vera administration, the amount of brain water content had no difference with intact and gastric ulcer groups (p<0.05). The duodenal water content in Aloe vera group was significantly reduced compared with intact group (p<0.05) but gastric ulcer group had no significant difference with intact and Aloe vera group.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of Aloe vera has an inhibitory effect on the gastric acid output.

The Effects of Aqueous Extract of Alpinia Galangal on Gastric Cancer Cells (AGS) and L929 Cells in Vitro

BACKGROUND

Although the incidence of gastric cancer is declining during the last half century, this cancer still is the second morbid cancer in the world after lung cancer. The incidence of gastric cancer is 26 per 100,000 in Iran. This study evaluated the effect of Alpinia galangal on AGS cells (human gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line) and L929 cells (as a standard cell line originated from mouse fibroblast cells).

METHODS

After culturing the cells in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium, the cells were incubated with different doses of Alpinia galangal (0 (control), 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µg/ml) in 24, 48 and 72 hour periods and then, cells viability were assessed using MTT based cell proliferation assay.

RESULTS

After 24 hours, the percentage of living AGS cells compared to the control group showed no significant decrease at the concentrations of 125 and 250µg/ml. But in the rest concentrations were significant (p<0.05). Only, the percentage of surviving L929 cells at concentration of 125µg/ml of the extract was not significant, but these percentages in the other concentrations were significant. After 48 and 72h incubation, in the last three extract concentrations, the percentage of living AGS and L929 cells significantly decreased compared to control cells (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated, using cell culture model, anti-proliferative effect of aqueous extract of Alpinia galangal on human gastric tumor (AGS) and L929 cell lines. This effect was prominent in high concentrations.

Effect of aqueous extract of Rheum ribes on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rat

Objective:

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether Rheum ribes extract prevents cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Materials and Methods:

The animals were divided into three groups: Group A considered as control group, group B were treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg B.W. for 3 alternative days), and group C further to cisplatin received the aqueous extract of Rheum ribes (150 mg/rat).

Results:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level increased in group B on days 14 and 42 compared to day 0 (P < 0.001); it was also increased in group B vs. group A on day 14 (P < 0.001). Rheum ribes extract decreased the serum BUN level on day 14 compared to group B (P < 0.001). Serum creatinine level in group B had a similar profile as serum BUN level but Rheum ribes had no effect on blood creatinine level. Serum cholesterol level was increased in group B on days 14 and 42 compared to day 0 (P < 0.001). Also, cholesterol level was significantly increased in group B when compared to group A on day 14 (P < 0.001). Rheum ribes decreased the blood cholesterol level on day 42 in comparison to group B (P < 0.001). Serum glucose level was increased in group B on days 14 and 42 vs. day 0 (P < 0.001). Also, glucose level was significantly increased in group B when compared to group A on day 42 (P < 0.001). Rheum ribes increased the serum glucose level on days 14 and 42 compared to day 0 (P < 0.05). Histology of kidneys exposed to cisplatin showed renal injury, but Rheum ribes had no effect on the kidney architecture.

Conclusion:

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed in our study. Although Rheum ribes had some effects on biochemical parameters; its effect on renal histology in injured kidney was insignificant.

The effect of female sexual hormones on the intestinal and serum cytokine response after traumatic brain injury: different roles for estrogen receptor subtypes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of female sexual hormones on intestinal and serum cytokines following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Adult female rats were ovariectomized and distributed among the following 9 groups: (i) sham trauma, (ii) TBI (Marmarou's method), (iii) vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) treated, (iv) estrogen (E2) treated, (v) progesterone (P) treated, (vi) treated with E2+P, (vii) propylpyrazole triol (PPT) treated, (viii) diarylpropionitrile (DPN) treated, and (ix) control. PPT and DPN are estrogen receptor αand β agonists, respectively. Serum and intestinal levels of interleukin (IL)-1β were increased by TBI (P < 0.001). The level of intestinal IL-1β was increased in the group treated with E2 (P < 0.001). There was a reduction in serum IL-1β (P < 0.01) and an increase in intestinal IL-1β level (P < 0.001) in the PPT-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group. TBI reduced serum IL-6 (P < 0.01) and increased intestinal IL-6 (P < 0.001). Serum IL-6 was increased in the group treated with E2 (P < 0.001), P (P < 0.001), E2+P (P < 0.01), and DPN (P < 0.001) after TBI; however, intestinal IL-6 was higher in the E2-treated group compared with the vehicle-treated group (P < 0.01). Intestinal tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was increased by TBI (P < 0.001). Progesterone decreased serum TNF-α (P < 0.01). Intestinal TNF-α in the E2 (P < 0.01), E2+P (P < 0.001), and PPT (P < 0.001) treatment groups was less than in the vehicle-treated group. In conclusion, estrogen influences the intestinal levels of proinflammatory cytokines, in particular TNF-α, mediated through estrogen receptor α.

Effect of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on cisplatin-induced toxicity in rat

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to test whether Nigella sativa (NS) seeds can reduce cisplatin-induced toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups to receive distilled water (control group), cisplatin (3 mg/kg per body weight for 3 days), and cisplatin and alcoholic extract of NS (100 mg/kg per body weight). Biochemical and histopathologic parameters were compared between the three groups on days 14 and 42 of the study.

RESULTS

Blood urea nitrogen increased in the cisplatin and NS groups on days 14 and 42 compared to day 0 (P < .001). It was significantly in the cisplatin than in the control group on day 14 (P < .001). Serum creatinine had a similar profile in the cisplatin and NS groups as blood urea nitrogen. Serum triglyceride increased in the cisplatin and NS groups on day 14, but it decreased on day 42 (P < .05). Urine glucose concentration decreased in the cisplatin group on days 14 and 42 compared to day 0 (P < .001), and the same trend was seen in the NS group (P < .001). Histology of the kidneys exposed to cisplatin showed significant kidney injury, but the rats treated with NS showed a relatively well-preserved architecture.

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed in our study. Nigella sativa seeds had nonsignificant effects on biochemical parameters, although the histopathologic properties of the kidneys relatively recovered after NS use.