The Prophylactic Effect of Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 against Ultraviolet-C-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Ultraviolet C (UVC) devices are an effective means of disinfecting surfaces and protecting medical tools against various microbes, including coronavirus. Overexposure to UVC can induce oxidative stress, damage the genetic material, and harm biological systems. This study investigated the prophylactic efficacy of vitamin C and B12 against hepatotoxicity in UVC-intoxicated rats. Rats were irradiated with UVC (725.76, 967.68, and 1048.36 J/cm²) for 2 weeks. The rats were pretreated with the aforementioned antioxidants for two months before UVC irradiation. The prophylactic effect of vitamins against UVC hepatotoxicity was evaluated by monitoring the alteration of liver enzyme activities, antioxidant status, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, DNA fragmentation, and histological and ultrastructural alterations. Rats exposed to UVC showed a significant increase in liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant balance disruption, and increased hepatic inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and IDO-1). Additionally, obvious over-expression of activated caspase-3 protein and DNA fragmentation were detected. Histological and ultrastructural examinations verified the biochemical findings. Co-treatment with vitamins ameliorated the deviated parameters to variable degrees. In conclusion, vitamin C could alleviate UVC-induced hepatotoxicity more than vitamin B12 by diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. This study could provide a reference for the clinical practice of vitamin C and B12 as radioprotective for workers in UVC disinfectant areas.

Biochemical, Histological, and Ultrastructural Studies of the Protective Role of Vitamin E on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Male Rats

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP) (Cytoxan or Endoxan) is an efficient anti-tumor agent, widely used for the treatment of various neoplastic diseases. The study aimed to investigate the protective role of vitamin E (vit E) in improving cardiotoxicity in rats induced by CP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four experimental groups (each consisting of ten rats); the control group was treated with saline. The other three groups were treated with vit E, CP, and the combination of vit E and CP. Serum lipid profiles, enzyme cardiac biomarkers, and cardiac tissue antioxidants were evaluated, as well as histological and ultrastructure investigations.

RESULTS

CP-treated rats showed a significant increase in serum levels of cardiac markers (troponin, CK, LDH, AST, and ALT), lipid profiles, a reduction in the antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx), and an elevation in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). The increase in the levels of troponin, LDH, AST, ALP, and triglycerides is a predominant indicator of cardiac damage due to the toxic effect of CP. The biochemical changes parallel cardiac injuries such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis, and heart failure. Vitamin E played a pivotal role, as it attenuated most of these changes because of its ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce LPO. In addition, vit E was found to improve the histopathological alterations caused by CP where no evidence of damage was observed in the cardiac architecture, and the cardiac fibers had regained their normal structure with minimal hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of its antioxidant activity and its stabilizing impact on the cardiomyocyte membranes, vit E is recommended as a potential candidate in decreasing the damaging effects of CP.

SGLT2 inhibitors among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a meta analysis of randomised controlled trials

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been recommended in the practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, however their effects among patients with preserved ejection fraction has been debatable.

Objective

We aim to evaluate the SGLT2 inhibitor effect among patients with

HFpEF including DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries for relevant articles from inception until August 30th, 2022. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating hazard ratio (HR) using the random effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI) and probability value (P). Statistical significance was met if 95% CI doesn’t cross numeric "1" and p <0.05.

Results

A total of 4 studies with 30418 patients (15390 SGLT2 inhibitor vs 15028 placebo) were included in our analysis. The average age and percentage of females were comparable between groups, with a mean age of 68.3 years and 39.7% of females in the SGLT2 inhibitor group, whereas 67.7 years and 40.5% of females in the placebo group. Most common comorbidities among the SGLT2 inhibitor group included diabetes mellitus (78.8% vs 78.4%). Mean follow-up duration was 2.92 years. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced composite cardiovascular death or first hospitalisation for heart failure (HR, 0.82(95%CI: 0.75-0.89), P<0.001, heart failure hospitalisation (HR, 0.74(95%CI: 0.67-0.82), P<0.001) compared with placebo. However, all-cause mortality (HR, 0.97(95%CI: 0.89-1.06), P=0.54), and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.96(95%CI: 0.82-1.13), P=0.66) were comparable between the both groups on SGLT2 inhibitor and placebo.

Conclusion

SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation for heart failure. The results suggest patients with HFpEF have almost similar outcomes compared with previous studies on HFrEF. Hence SGLT2 inhibitors can be used among patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction.

Chitosan from Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) enhances sensitization to insulin treatment in a diabetic burn mice of wound healing

Chitosan is recognized as a multipurpose biomaterial because of its low allergenicity, non-toxicity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. The present study was designed to estimate the role of chitosan derived from Lucilia cuprina on burn healing in diabetic mice; using histopathological and microbiological studies at different time intervals. Chitosan was prepared from L. cuprina with high molecular weight (MW) and high degree of deacetylation (DD) to evaluate its burn wound healing potential; skin burn closure assessment, histological and microbiological studies in vivo in male diabetic mice. Chitosan topical treatment was superior in wound closure acceleration; mainly in insulin injected group at all the time intervals. Additionally, earlier epidermal remodelling with mature and intense collagen deposition was encountered in all chitosan treated animals as well as non-diabetic burned animals. There was a significant delay in hair growth and poor epidermal remodelling with impairment of wound closure in diabetic groups. Moreover, chitosan treated groups assert the chitosan antibacterial effects with protecting the burn against contamination that hinders healing especially in this diabetic condition. Further researches needed to interpret effects of possible synergistic combination therapy.

Ginger causes subfertility and abortifacient in mice by targeting both estrous cycle and blastocyst implantation without teratogenesis

BACKGROUND

Due to renowned medicinal properties, Ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) used traditionally in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches, constipation, indigestion, hypertension, dementia, fever, and infectious diseases. As an antiemetic, Ginger is consumed by approximately 80% of pregnant women to treat nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of ginger extract on the oestrous cycle and implantation in female mice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Four experimental episodes were identified. One considered the main study of outcomes and lasted 90 days; one lasted 35 days and considered the oestrous cycle; while the third and fourth intended antifertility and abortifacient and continued 20 days for each. Mice dosed Ginger orally at 0, 250, 500, 1000 or 2000  mg/kgbw/day (GNC, GN1, GN2, GN3, GN4, respectively).

RESULTS

GN3 and GN4 dams showed maternal toxicity. High dose significantly reduced the number of live fetuses and increased fetal death and resorption. Mice treated with 2000  mg/kgbw/day displayed significant decreases in implantation sites. At a dose of 2000  mg/kgbw/day, Ginger prolonged the length of oestrous cycle with a significant decrease in the duration of diestrous-metestrus (luteal) phase, prolonged proestrus-estrus (ovulatory) phase and reduced the number of cycles as well. Therefore, Ginger impairs the normal growth of corpus luteum because of progesterone insufficiency during early pregnancy. The observed-adverse-effect dose set at 2000  mg/kgbw, but no-observed-adverse-effect dose set at 250 and 500  mg/kgbw.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that Ginger can disrupt the oestrous cycle and blastocyst implantation without teratogenesis.

Endocrine-disrupting and cytotoxic potential of anticholinesterase insecticide, diazinon in reproductive toxicity of male mice

We evaluated the effects of diazinon (2, 4.1 and 8.2mg/kg bw/day for 4 weeks) in gonadotropins, testosterone and estrogen levels, whether the regulatory interactions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis are modified by acetylcholinesterase inhibition and histopathological changes in adult mice testes. Diazinon at doses higher than 2mg/kg bw/day resulted in decreased testis weight, inhibition in acetylcholinesterase activities, decrease in levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, following reduction in mating and fertility indices. Diazinon increased testosterone content in 4.1mg/kg group, but decreased testosterone concentration in 8.2mg/kg group. Diazinon increased estrogen, prolactine and decreased levels of acetylcholinesterase activities in 4.1mg/kg group but levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone remained unmodified. It may be simply postulated a scenario that acetylcholine in the cholinergic neurons has a potential threshold to perform a crucial part in the complex circuitry of neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms. On overaccumulation, other neurotransmitters can be appropriately recruited to modulate the mechanisms of circuitry.

Biochemical and histopathological changes induced by different time intervals of methomyl treatment in mice liver

The present study was designed to evaluate the toxic effects induced by different time intervals of methomyl exposure on liver antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress, liver function biomarkers and histopathology in CD-1 mice. Ten male mice per group were assigned to one of four treatment groups. Group one served as control while group 2, 3 and 4 were orally treated with one mg methomyl/kg BW for 10, 20 and 30 days, respectively. Results obtained showed that methomyl significantly induced TBARS and decreased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase and the levels of reduced glutathione in mice liver. Aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly decreased in liver due to methomyl administration, while the activities of these enzymes were significantly increased in serum. In addition, liver lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly increased. On the contrary, methomyl treatment caused a significant decrease in liver acid phosphatase. The histology of mice liver treated with methomyl for 10, 20 and 30 days of duration showed dilation of central vein, sinusoids between hypertrophied hepatocytes and nuclear degeneration with mononuclear cell infiltration. In conclusion, exposure to methomyl induced toxicity and oxidative stress in mice liver via free radicals mechanism. Also, methomyl might have affected cell metabolism, cell membrane permeability and the detoxification system in liver.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity induced by anticholinesterase insecticide, diazinon in female rats

Developmental toxicities, including birth defects, are significant public health problems. This study was planned to assess the cholinergic and developmental potentials of diazinon that is widely used as an organophosphate insecticide. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were given diazinon orally at doses of 0, 1.9, 3.8, and 7.6 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day on gestation days 6 to 15. Maternal brain acetylcholinesterase activities, measured on gestation day20, were significantly decreased at 3.8 and 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day, but fetal acetylcholinesterase activity was not altered. Maternal toxicities, as evidenced by cholinergic symptoms including diarrhea, tremors, weakness, salivation, and decreased activities, were observed at the 3.8 and 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day dose groups. Net gravid uterine weight was decreased at a dose of 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day. No maternal effects were apparent in the 1.9 mg/kg b.w./day dose group. Maternal toxicity at a dose of 3.8 mg/kg b.w./day did not induce fetotoxicity or teratogeneicity. However, 7.6 mg/kg b.w./day doses significantly resulted in fetal toxicity and malformations in addition to maternal toxicity in animals. In conclusion, teratogenic disorders only outlined by doses that produced marked maternal toxicity. Since the malformations were not morphologically related, they were considered to be secondary to maternal toxicity; hence, the malformations were not related to cholinesterase inhibition.

Histological and electron microscopic studies of the effect of beta-carotene on the pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats

To evaluate the protective effect of beta-carotene on induction of diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ), 45 albino rats, weighed about 110-130 g were used. They were divided randomly into six groups. GI rats used as control; GII rats were injected i.p. with a single dose of 40 mg streptozotocin (STZ) to become diabetic; GIII and GIV, the diabetic rats were injected i.p. with 0.3 and 0.1 mg beta-carotene, respectively; GV and GVI rats were injected i.p. only with 0.3 and 0.1 mg beta-carotene respectively. At the end of the experiment, the final body weights, blood glucose and insulin levels were determined and the values were statistically analyzed. Histological, semithin and ultrathin sections were prepared for pancreatic tissues. In the diabetic rats (GII), there was significant loss in body weight accompanied by significant increase in blood glucose levels. In addition, many light and electron microscopic changes were observed in the acinar and endocrine beta-cells of islets of pancreas. These changes were summarized as disturbance of acini arrangement, shrinkage and pyknotic nuclei, vacuolation and dissolution of mitochondria and Golgi elements, degranulation of beta-cells. In addition to the significant decrease in blood glucose levels, 0.3 mg beta-carotene (Gill) had decreased most of these changes than 0.1 mg of it (GIV). So, GIII provides more protection for the pancreatic tissue more than GIV. Also, the results revealed that injection of rats only with 0.3 and 0.1 mg beta-carotene (GV and GVI) had no observable changes in the pancreatic tissues, except that there was an increase in number of the vacuolized mitochondria in most acinar and beta-cells of islets. In conclusions, 0.3 mg beta-carotene could normalize the biochemical disorders of diabetes and provides more protection for the pancreatic tissues than 0.1 mg from the damaging effect of STZ to a greater extent.

Transient agranulocytosis associated with non-A, non-B hepatitis

A 44-yr-old woman with non-A, non-B hepatitis developed agranulocytosis and absence of marrow granulocyte precursor cells with only mild involvement of other blood elements. The agranulocytosis was complicated by gram-negative septicemia, successfully treated with antibiotic therapy. Marrow recovery followed 2 wk of supportive therapy. Before reversal of the agranulocytosis, a future bone marrow transplant was a consideration, making the use of therapeutic granulocyte transfusions, with their ability to sensitize the recipient, potentially harmful. Experience in this case indicates that agranulocytosis associated with non-A, non-B hepatitis may be reversible, and supports the use of supportive care including appropriate antibiotics, and if necessary, granulocyte transfusions, pending marrow recovery.

Serum lysozyme, serum proteins, and immunoglobulin determinations in nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease

The serum levels of lysozyme, serum electrophoresis, and serum immunoglobulins were determined prospectively in 101 patients with ulcerative colitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn's disease, or nonclassifiable nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease. Although the mean serum lysozyme concentration of patients with Crohn's disease (10.5 +/- 6.8 microgram/ml) and ulcerative colitis (9.6 +/- 4.1 microgram/ml) performed by a standardized lysoplate method was significantly greater than normal controls (6.0 +/- 1.5 microgram/ml), the results did not correlate with the diagnosis nor with the degree of disease activity. Individually separated protein fractions and serum immunoglobulins also did not correlate with the serum lysozyme levels. This study indicates that measurement of the level of serum lysozyme in individual patients is not helpful in determining the cause or degree of activity of nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease.

Oxacillin hepatitis. Two patients with liver biopsy, and review of the literature

Hepatotoxicity associated with intravenous sodium oxacillin therapy is reported in two drug abusers cured of staphylococcal endocarditis. Coincident with the administration of oxacillin, marked increases in hepatic transaminase were observed and liver biopsy showed nonspecific hepatitis. Upon cessation of oxacillin therapy, liver enzyme values returned to(ward) normal. Reports of oxacillin-associated changes in hepatic enzyme levels are reviewed; further observation of oxacillin-associated hepatotoxicity is warranted.