A Stereological Study of the Toxic Effects of Cerium Oxide during Pregnancy on Kidney Tissues in Neonatal NMRI Mice

Background. Both antioxidant and prooxidant activities have been previously reported for cerium oxide (CeO2). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CeO2 at different doses on changes in kidney tissues and markers in neonatal mice. Methods. We randomly divided 30 pregnant NMRI mice into five groups (n=6 per group)—a control group and four groups treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of different doses of CeO2 (10, 25, 80, or 250 mg/kg body weight (bw)) on gestation days (GD) 7 and GD14. At the end of the treatment period, we analyzed the kidney tissues and serum samples. The levels of two serum redox markers, malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test, and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results. The mean total volumes of the renal corpuscle, glomeruli, and Bowman’s capsule membranes significantly increased, and there was a significant decrease in the mean total volume of Bowman’s space in the high-dose CeO2 group compared to that in the control group. No statistically significant differences existed in the serum levels of MDA and FRAP in the treated and control groups. Conclusion. Our results suggest that high doses of CeO2 impair fetal renal development in pregnant mice, which results in kidney damage. Therefore, CeO2 administration during pregnancy could have dose-dependent adverse effects on the developing kidneys in neonates.

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Effect of Oxytocin on the Body Weight of Male Rabbits

AL-MUKHTAR JOURNAL OF SCIENCES ◽

10.54172/mjsc.v36i4.369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (4) ◽

pp. 263-272

Author(s):

Areej A. Mohammed ◽

Aisha F. Bonaama ◽

Souad A. M. Moftah ◽

Ameerah T. Ramadhan ◽

Abdulsalam M. A. Bolhaj ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dose Group ◽

The Body ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Time Spent Feeding ◽

Mean Time ◽

Different Doses ◽

Food Consumed

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of two different doses of oxytocin on weight. Adult male rabbits (15) were weighed and provided with food twice daily for 3 weeks to determine the amount of food consumed daily and the time spent feeding by each rabbit. After 3 weeks the rabbits were weighed and divided randomly into 3groups: the control group, the low dose group, and the high dose group. The animals were injected daily for 3 weeks. During that time the amount of food consumed and the time spent feeding in both periods were determined. After the end of the treatment period the rabbits were weighed, and sacrificed. The results of this study showed that before treatment the rabbits consumed more food in the evening period than they did in the afternoon period. The mean time spent feeding in the evening period was slightly higher than that spent in the afternoon period; however, this difference was not statistically significant. After treatment, there was still significant difference between the means of the consumed food in the afternoon and the evening period for the control group. The mean amounts of food consumed in both periods by the treated groups were slightly reduced, but this reduction was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the mean time spent feeding in the evening period was slightly higher than that of the afternoon period for the 3 groups; however, these differences were not significant. The mean weight of the control group was slightly increased after treatment with the hormone; and the mean weights of the treated groups were slightly reduced after treatment. However, changes in body weighs were not statistically significant.

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The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Ceratonia Silique L. on spermatogenesis index in rats treated with cyclophosphamide: An experimental study

International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine ◽

10.18502/ijrm.v13i4.6892 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Firouzeh Sadeghzadeh ◽

Azizeh Sadeghzadeh ◽

Saeed Changizi-Ashtiyani ◽

Sepideh Bakhshi ◽

Farideh Jalali Mashayekhi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Normal Saline ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Control Group ◽

Antioxidant Compounds ◽

Alcoholic Extract ◽

Antioxidant Power ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power ◽

The Mean

Background: Ceratonia silique (Ceratonia) is a medicinal herb with antioxidant properties that reduces oxidative stress. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of Ceratonia extract on improving the toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) on spermatogenesis. Materials and Methods: 54 male Wistar rats (4 months old) weighing 200-250 gr were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 9/each): “group 1 (control) underwent the normal diet and water; group 2 (sham) received 2 ml/day normal saline; group 3 (positive control) received 300 mg/kg/day Ceratonia extract; group 4 (Ceratonia + CP) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) + 5 mg/kg/day CP (Endoxan, baxter oncology gmbh, Germany) after 4 hr; group 5 (CP) received 5 mg/kg/day CP + normal saline 4 hr after it; and group 6 (CP + Ceratonia) received Ceratonia extract (300 mg/kg/day) 4 hr after 5 mg/kg/day CP.” 24 hr after the last gavage, heart blood sampling was performed to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing antioxidant power, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. The left caudal epididymis was cut in the Ham’s F10 and the released spermatozoa were used to analyze sperm parameters. The histology of the right testes was studied using stereological techniques and the left testes were used to measure the level of tissue MDA and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Results: A significant increase in the mean level of MDA (p = 0.013) was seen in the CP compared to the control group. Sperm motility (p = 0.001) and count (p = 0.002), serum and tissue total antioxidant (p ≤ 0.001) and serum testosterone levels (p = 0.019) decreased in the CP compared to the control group. Ceratonia extract could significantly prevent the adverse effects of CP on sperm motility (p < 0.001), the mean levels of tissue MDA (p = 0.018), serum total antioxidant (p = 0.045), and testosterone (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The Ceratonia extract can modify the reproductive toxicity of CP in rat due to the presence of antioxidant compounds. Key words: Cyclophosphamide, Ceratonia siliqua, Spermatogenesis, Rat, Spermatogenesis indexes.

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Enlargement of cerebrospinal fluid spaces in long-term benzodiazepine abusers

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291700000660 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 869-873 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

C. Schmauss ◽

J.-C. Krieg

Keyword(s):

Low Dose ◽

Matched Control ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Withdrawal Therapy ◽

The Mean ◽

Dose Dependent ◽

Dose Dependent Effect ◽

Age And Sex

SynopsisIn 17 benzodiazepine (BDZ) dependent in-patients a CT scan was performed before initiation of withdrawal therapy. The evaluation of the ventricular to brain ratio (VBR) by standardized and computerized measurements revealed significantly higher mean VBRs for both high-and low-dose BDZ-dependent patients compared to the mean VBR of an age- and sex-matched control group. In addition, the mean VBR of high-dose BDZ-dependent patients (N = 8) was significantly higher than the mean VBR of low-dose BDZ-dependent patients (N = 9). This difference could not be accounted for by the age of the patients or duration of BDZ-dependency and, therefore, suggests a dose-dependent effect of BDZs on the enlargement of internal CSF-spaces. On the other hand, higher values for the width of external CSF-spaces were found to be related to increasing age of the patients and duration of BDZ-dependency.

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Immunoreactive IGF-II in serum of healthy subjects and patients with growth hormone disturbances and uraemia

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/acta.0.1070164 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 107 (2) ◽

pp. 164-170 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Gösta Enberg ◽

Kerstin Hall

Keyword(s):

Confidence Limit ◽

Binding Protein ◽

Protein S ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Reaction ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igf I ◽

Age Dependent ◽

The Mean

Abstract. A radioimmunoassay has been developed for IGF-II, using Sepharose-coupled antibodies. Porcine insulin, human insulin and human proinsulin showed no cross-reaction, whereas the cross-reaction for IGF-I was 10%. To minimize the influence of the binding protein(s), all serum samples were extracted with acid ethanol before assay. The mean serum level of immunoreactive IGF-II and 95% confidence limit in 46 healthy adults were 587 ng/ml and 354–974 ng/ml, respectively. In contrast to the declining levels of IGF-I with increasing age, no such age-dependent decrease was found for IGF-II levels between 20 to 70 years. No difference in IGF-II levels was found between patients with acromegaly and healthy adult controls. In cord serum and serum from adult patients with GH deficiency the levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) compared to controls. In diabetic patients with uraemia the mean level and 95% confidence limit were 1222 ng/ml and 532–2808 ng/ml, respectively. Thus, significantly increased serum levels of immunoreactive IGF-II have only been found in serum from patients with uraemia. Whether this is due to an increased production of IGF-II, or secondary to other factors such as the binding protein(s), will require further investigation.

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The Importance of Antioxidant Status in Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia

Journal of Medical Biochemistry ◽

10.5937/jomb0-29349 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nilay Danis ◽

Aysegul Ertinmaz Ozkan ◽

Fatih Karatas ◽

Cagri Cakici ◽

Turkan Yigitbasi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Oxidative Stress ◽

Intestinal Metaplasia ◽

Prognostic Marker ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Control Group ◽

Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia ◽

Oxidative Stress Status ◽

Cancer Types ◽

The Mean

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress status in different cancer types was investigated before, but not studied in gastric intestinal metaplasia to the best of our knowledge. Purpose of this study is to examine whether there is a difference between oxidative stress status in patients with intestinal metaplasia (IM) compared to individuals without IM, we compared the serum levels of disulfide (SS), total thiol (TT) and native thiol (NT). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized case-control study including 67 patients with histopathologically confirmed IM and 60 individuals demographically matched in terms of age, gender, BMI, smoking status, and chronic diseases as control group. Results: The mean NT, TT and NT to TT(NT/TT) ratios were statistically significantly higher in IM group compared to controls [(351.71±81.9µmol/L vs. 271.82±54.13µmol/L, p=0.000),(391.5±92.69µmol/L vs. 308.59±55.53 µmol/L, 0.000) and (0.89±0.6 vs. 0.87±0.29, p=0.022), respectively].The mean SS to TT(SS/TT) ratio was significantly lower in IM group than control group (0.050±0.31 vs. 0.060±0.014, P=0.022). Median SS and mean SS/NT ratio was similar in both groups[16.3 (3.3 – 78) vs. 18.3 (10 – 32.7), p=0.271 and 0.055 ± 0.041 vs. 0.070 ± 0.019, p=0.068, respectively). In ROC analysis, cut off value of SS/NT for IM was found 0.062, in regression analysis, SS/NT<0.062 was found as an independently prognostic marker for IM (OR, 2.38; 95%CI: 1.168 - 4.865, P=0.017). Conclusion: SS /NT ratio lower than 0.062 was found as an independently prognostic marker for IM. This ratio could help to distinguish which patients should be followed closely for gastric cancer.

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Correlation between IL-10 as Cancer Biomarker and Demographic Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Patients

Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International ◽

10.9734/jpri/2021/v33i26b31477 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Rahin Sh Hamad ◽

Bushra H. Shnawa ◽

Shereen J. Al-Ali

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Interleukin 10 ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Control Group ◽

High Morbidity ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cancer Pathogenesis ◽

Colorectal Cancer Patients

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is classified as one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Patients of CRC have been shown to express a detectable cytokine in serum which contributes to cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, the serum interleukin 10 (IL-10) level in CRC patients was investigated in this study. Patients' medical records with CRC admitted to the Rizgary and Nanakali hospitals, Erbil, Iraq was analyzed as the study group compared to the healthy volunteers' control group. Seventy-one serum samples were collected, thirty-one from diagnosed CRC patients and forty from healthy controls. The concentrations of IL-10 in the sera were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The present finding showed that IL-10 Was significantly elevated in CRC patients' sera compared to the control group, suggesting confirmation of its usefulness for detecting CRC patients' prognosis. A non-significant Pearson correlation was detected between IL-10 serum levels and the CRC group's age, gender, and body mass index. Herein is the first study on the evaluation of IL-10 levels in CRC patients in Kurdistan, Iraq.

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Comparing the Apelin Level in Hypertensive Patients Who Received Hypertension Drugs

Modern Care Journal ◽

10.5812/modernc.106150 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mina Hemmati ◽

Fatemeh Abharzanjani ◽

Tooba Kazemi ◽

Fateme Estanesti

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Pressure Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Amlodipine Group ◽

The Mean ◽

Plasma Apelin ◽

Control Study

Background: Apelin, an adipokine secreted from adipose tissue, plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and hypertension. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the plasma Apelin level in hypertensive patients under treatment with amlodipine, losartan, and amlodipine + losartan. Methods: In this case-control study, the serum level of Apelin was compared in four groups of (A) Healthy subjects (n = 31); (B) Hypertensive patients, received amlodipine (n = 31); Hypertensive patients, received losartan (n = 45); and patients (n = 33) that received amlodipine and losartan. Apelin level in serum samples was measured using Human Apelin ELISA Kit according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 (Chicago: SPSS Inc.), at the significant level of α = 0.05. Results: The mean blood level of Apelin in the control group and groups receiving amlodipine, losartan, and amlodipine + losartan was 366.16 ± 36.04, 247.19 ± 27.77, 282.93 ± 47.08, and 289.84 ± 32.20 g/dl, respectively. Losartan + amlodipine group had a higher level of Apelin compared with amlodipine alone (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that Apelin has a definite protective effect in preventing hypertension. Also, according to the results, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, such as losartan, caused a higher increase in the Apelin, resulting in better blood pressure control.

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Effect of Astragalus membranaceus Oral Solution on Lifespan and Learning and Memory Ability of Honey Bees

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2020/5745048 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Tao Hong ◽

Long-Xue Li ◽

Xiao-ping Han ◽

Jing-liang Shi ◽

Cai-yun Dan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Learning And Memory ◽

Honey Bees ◽

Dose Group ◽

Low Dose ◽

Oral Solution ◽

Astragalus Membranaceus ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

In this study, the effects of Astragalus membranaceus oral solution on lifespan and learning and memory abilities of honey bees were evaluated. Two groups of bees were fed with sucrose syrup (50%) containing low dose (1.33%) and high dose (13.3%) of A. membranaceus oral solution, respectively. The proboscis extension response (PER) analysis was applied to examine the learning and memory capabilities of bees. Two genes related to memory formation in honey bees were determined by real-time PCR. High dose (13.3%) of A. membranaceus significantly decreased the mean lifespan of bees compared to the bees fed with low dose (1.33%) and control bees. No significant differences in lifespan of bees were found between low-dose-fed bees and control bees. The results of PER experiments showed apparent improvement in the memorizing ability of the high-dose group (in comparison with the control group). Moreover, the relative expression levels of Nmdar1 in the low-dose group and control group were significantly lower than those in the high-dose group. It is preliminarily concluded that A. membranaceus has an adverse effect on the mean lifespan of honey bees but might be helpful in strengthening memories.

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Gingerol inhibits cisplatin-induced acute and delayed emesis in rats and minks by regulating the central and peripheral 5-HT, SP, and DA systems

Journal of Natural Medicines ◽

10.1007/s11418-019-01372-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 74 (2) ◽

pp. 353-370 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Li Tian ◽

Weibin Qian ◽

Qiuhai Qian ◽

Wei Zhang ◽

Xinrui Cai

Keyword(s):

Low Dose ◽

Area Postrema ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Delayed Emesis ◽

Blank Control Group ◽

Qrt Pcr ◽

Underlying Mechanisms ◽

Different Doses

Abstract Gingerol, a biologically active component in ginger, has shown antiemetic properties. Our study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of gingerol on protecting rats and minks from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The preventive impact of gingerol was evaluated in the pica model of rats and the vomiting model of minks induced by cisplatin at every 6 h continuously for a duration of 72 h. Animals were arbitrarily separated into blank control group, simple gingerol control group, cisplatin control group, cisplatin + metoclopramide group, cisplatin + three different doses gingerol group (low-dose; middle-dose; high-dose). The area postrema as well as ileum damage were assessed using H&E stain. The levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SERT, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, NEP, DA, D2R, TH, and DAT were determined using immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR in rats and minks. All indicators were measured in the area postrema along with ileum. The kaolin intake by rats and the incidence of CINV of minks were significantly decreased after pretreatment with gingerol in a dosage-dependent way for the duration of 0–24-h and 24–72-h. Gingerol markedly decreased the levels of 5-TH, 5-HT3 receptor, TPH, SP, NK1 receptor, PPT, DA, D2R, TH, alleviated area postrema as well as ileum damage, and increased the accumulation of SERT, NEP, DAT in the area postrema along with ileum of rats and minks. Gingerol alleviates cisplatin-induced kaolin intake of rats and emesis of minks possibly by regulating central and peripheral 5-HT system, SP system and DA system. Graphic abstract

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P5330Evaluating lipid-lowering and anti-atherogenic effect of injectable curcumin in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0299 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A A Momtazi-Borojeni ◽

M Banach ◽

M Majeed ◽

A Sahebkar

Keyword(s):

Low Dose ◽

White Male ◽

Atherosclerotic Lesion ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Control Group ◽

High Dose ◽

Base Line

Abstract Background and purpose The present study was aimed to evaluate lipid-lowering and anti-atherogenic effect of an intravenous (IV) curcumin in the rabbit fed high cholesterol diet (HCD). Methods New Zealand white male rabbits (4–6 months old, n=25, weight 2.286±0.256 kg)were fed on a normal chow enriched with 0.5% (w/w) cholesterol for 5 weeks. Atherosclerotic rabbits were randomly divided into three group, including a control group receiving intravenous (IV) injection of saline buffer, two treatment groups receiving IV injection of curcumin at two different dosages, 1and 10 mg/kg/week, for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected from fasted rabbits at pre- (week 5) and post-treatment (week 11) points for analysis of serum lipid levels, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC). Aortic arch atherosclerotic lesions were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Results To evaluate curcumin's effects on the hyperlipidemic states and atherosclerosis plaque, HCD-fed rabbits were weekly treated with the injectable curcumin at the low (1mg/kg/week) and high (10 mg/kg/week) doses by 4 weeks. At week 4 in compared with the control group, low-dose curcumin could reduce serum levels of LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, and TC by −6.22% ±1.77, −35.24% ±12.49, −29.84% ±10.14, −14.19% ±5.19, respectively. In the case of high-dose curcumin, serum levels of LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, and TC were changed by −44.36%±3.24, 14.05% ±6.39, −25.92% ±5.57, −56.59% ±10.22, respectively, when compared with the control group at week 4. Low-dose curcumin after 4 weeks' treatment could reduce serum levels LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, and TC up to 103±28 mg/dL, 18.33±4.66 mg/dL, 97.5±31 mg/dL, and 356.5±19.5 mg/dL, respectively, when compared with the base line levels (week 0). High-dose curcumin after 4 weeks' treatment could decrease serum levels of LDL-c, HDL-c, TG, HDL-c, and TC up to 207±17.04 mg/dL, 15.5±0.5 mg/dL, 333±40 mg/dL, and 514.5±22.23 mg/dL, respectively (Figure). H&E staining declared that atherosclerotic lesion grades were significantly lower in the curcumin-treated groups than the control group. Changes of lipids in rabbits on curcumin Conclusions The injectable curcumin at the low (1mg/kg) and high (10 mg/kg) could significantly improve dyslipidemia and alleviate atherosclerotic lesion in HCD-induced atherosclerotic rabbits.

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