scholarly journals Thymoquinone ameliorates bleomycin-induced reproductive toxicity in male Balb/c mice

2021 ◽  
pp. 096032712110481
Author(s):  
L Yaghutian Nezhad ◽  
H Mohseni Kouchesfahani ◽  
S Alaee ◽  
A Bakhtari

Bleomycin (BL) is a powerful chemotherapy drug that has devastating effects on spermatogenic function and may make cancer survivors at risk of infertility. Protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ), a phytochemical compound with antioxidant and anticancer influences, were investigated on sperm parameters, testicular structures, and sexual hormones in BL-treated mice. Forty-eight adult male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into six groups. Control group received normal saline; BL group received 10 mg/kg BL; TQ7.5 group received 7.5 mg/kg TQ; TQ15 group received 15 mg/kg TQ; BL+TQ7.5 group received 10 mg/kg BL and 7.5 mg/kg TQ; BL + TQ15 group received 10 mg/kg BL and 15 mg/kg TQ. BL was intraperitoneally used every day through 35 days, and TQ was intraperitoneally injected 3 days before administration of BL and continued twice per week for 35 days. Results showed that BL significantly decreased count, viability, morphology, maturity, and progressive movement of sperm, testosterone, seminiferous tubule diameters, the ratio of testis weight to body weight, number of spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and Sertoli cells per tubule, and expression of Bcl2l1 and Bcl2l1/Bax ratio, and increased the non-progressive movement and immotile sperm, intermediate and immature sperm, LH, FSH, and malondialdehyde levels, and tunica albuginea thickness compared to the control group ( p < .05). TQ at a level of 7.5 mg/kg ameliorated BL-induced toxicity on measured parameters and returned most of them to the level of the control group. These data suggested TQ in a dose-dependent manner may have positive effects on BL-induced toxicity of the testis in mice model.

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
V.O Baris ◽  
B Dincsoy ◽  
E Gedikli ◽  
A Erdem

Abstract Introduction Sotalol (SOT) is a Class 3 antiarrhythmic drug and commonly used for various arrhythmia treatments. However; it can prolong QT interval and lead to malignant arrhythmias. Empagliflozin is a selective SGLT-2 inhibitor used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Since the effect of empagliflozin (EMPA) on potassium channel activation is not yet known, there is no recommendation for the concomitant use of these drugs. Purpose In this study, we aimed to evaluate possible protective effects of empagliflozin in sotalol induced QT prolongation. Materials and methods Twenty-four male Wistar Alba rats were randomized into four groups. The first (control) group (n: 6) received only serum physiologic (1ml) via orogastric gavage (OG). The second (EMPA) group (n: 6) received EMPA (10 mg/kg) via OG. The third (SOT) group (n: 6) received SOT (80 mg/kg) via OG. The fourth (EMPA+SOT) group (n: 6) received EMPA (10 mg/kg) and SOT (80 mg/kg) via OG. Under anesthesia; PR, QT intervals and heart rate (HR) were measured and QTc value was also calculated at second hour on lead II using electrocardiogram (ECG). Results In the SOT group; QT intervals, T wave durations and QTc values were found to be statistically longer than the control group, whereas HR was found to be lower than the control group (p&lt;0.01). In the EMPA+SOT group; QT intervals, T wave durations and QTc values were significantly lower and HR was significantly higher compared to the SOT group (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001 respectively) (Table) Conclusion In the present study, we detected that EMPA significantly ameliorates SOT induced QT prolongation. In addition to this, we have also shown that EMPA can be used safely with SOT in clinical practice. With more clinical trials, the routine use of EMPA may be suggested to prevent QTc prolongation in diabetic patients receiving SOT. Finally; our study indicates that EMPA can effect on potassium channels. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (06) ◽  
pp. 1241-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae-Kang Ku ◽  
Jae-Soo Kim ◽  
Young-Bae Seo ◽  
Yong-Ung Kim ◽  
Seung-Lark Hwang ◽  
...  

This study was performed to investigate effects of Curculigo orchioides rhizome (curculiginis rhizome) on acute reflux esophigitis (RE) in rats that are induced by pylorus and forestomach ligation operation. Proinflammatory cytokine, as well as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were all assayed and the expression of TNF-α and COX2 analyzed by RT-PCR. The esophagic tissue damage of reflux esophagitis rat was increased compared to that of normal intact group. However, the esophagic damage percentage from the extract of curculiginis rhizoma (ECR) 600 mg/kg and ECR 300 mg/kg were significantly lower than that of the RE control group. Administration of α-tocopherol (30 mg/kg) and ECR (600 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg) had a significant effect on the gastric acid pH in rats with induced reflux esophagitis (p < 0.05). The treatment with ECR significantly reduced the production of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared to the model group (p < 0.05). The expression of TNF-α and COX2 in the intact esophageal mucosa was low while those of the RE control group were significantly higher due to an inflammatory reaction in the esophagus. Compare to the model group, treatment with α-tocopherol or ECR significantly inhibited the expression levels of COX2 and TNF-α in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that anti-inflammatory and protective effects of ECR could attenuate the severity of reflux esophagitis and prevent esophageal mucosal damage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. 2352-2354
Author(s):  
Kishwar Naheed ◽  
Humaira Ali ◽  
Fareeha Mushtaq ◽  
Muhammad Saad Abdullah ◽  
Maria Yousaf ◽  
...  

Background: Usage of electronic gadgets like microwave oven is increasing day by day that heats the food by exposing it to electromagnetic radiations which has many hazardous effects on human health including fertility. Aim: To find the effects of microwave oven exposed diet on weight and testis of mice along with protective effects of Mentha Piperita and Melatonin Study Design: Randomized control trial. Methodology: Adult male mice (n=32) were divided into four groups. Control group (G1) received standard pellets prepared for mice. Second group (G2) was given mice pellets exposed to microwave oven. Third group (G3) received Mentha Piperita leaf extract along with mice pellets exposed to microwave oven and the fourth group (G4) received oral melatonin along with pellets exposed to microwave oven. After experimental period, wt of each mice was again recorded and then mice were sacrificed. Data analyzed by SPSS 21.0v. Results: There was no statistically significant difference of weight gain of animals but there was significant reduction in weight of testis in group G2 but in G3 and G4 wt of the testis was close to control. Conclusion: It was concluded that microwave oven exposed diet had no significant effect on overall weight gain of the animal but it significantly reduced weight of the testis in group G2. However, Mentha Piperita and Melatonin both had ameliorative effects on the wt of the testicular tissue. Keywords: Mice, Testis, Weight, Mentha piperita and Melatonin


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Jin He ◽  
Ru Han ◽  
Gongchang Yu ◽  
Martin F. Lavin ◽  
Qiang Jia ◽  
...  

Benzene (BZ) is an important occupational and environmental pollutant. Exposure to BZ may cause aplastic anemia which is characterized as bone marrow hematopoietic failure. In order to reduce the harmful effects of this pollutant, it is necessary to identify additional preventative measures. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of epimedium polysaccharide (EPS), a natural compound with antioxidant and immune-enhancing potency, on aplastic anemia induced by benzene exposure in mice. Male CD-1 mice were randomly divided into five groups including control, BZ (880 mg/kg), LE (EPS low-dose, 20 mg/kg + BZ), ME (EPS middle-dose, 100 mg/kg + BZ), and HE (EPS high-dose, 200 mg/kg + BZ) groups. Animals were exposed to BZ by subcutaneous injection in the presence or absence of EPS via oral administration. All mice were treated 3 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks to develop a mouse model of benzene-induced aplastic anemia (BIAA). Results showed that BZ induced a significant decrease in both white and red blood cells, platelet counts, and hemoglobin level compared with that in the control group (p<0.01). Treatment of EPS led to a protective effect against these changes particularly in the highest-dose group (HE, p<0.01). EPS also recovered the decreased number of nucleated cells in peripheral blood cell smears and femur biopsies by BZ exposure. The increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in mice from the BZ group was significantly lower (p<0.01) in the mice from the highest concentration of EPS (HE) group when compared with that from the control group. In addition, BZ exposure led to a significant increase in the apoptosis rate in BMMNCs which was prevented by EPS in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01). The antiapoptosis effect of EPS was through reversing apoptotic proteins such as BAX, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Finally, EPS treatment partially restored the levels of T cells and the different subtypes except CD80+ and CD86+ compared with the BZ group (HE, p<0.05). These results suggest that EPS has protective effects against BIAA via antioxidative stress, immune modulation, and antiapoptosis mechanisms.


Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 478 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha Al-Rikabi ◽  
Hanady Al-Shmgani ◽  
Yaser Hassan Dewir ◽  
Salah El-Hendawy

(1) Background: Plant flavonoids are efficient in preventing and treating various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of hesperidin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits, in inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation, which induced lethal toxicity in vivo, and to evaluate its importance as an antitumor agent in breast cancer. The in vivo experiments revealed the protective effects of hesperidin against the negative LPS effects on the liver and spleen of male mice. (2) Methods: In the liver, the antioxidant activity was measured by estimating the concentration of glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), whereas in spleen, the concentration of cytokines including IL-33 and TNF-α was measured. The in vitro experiments including MTT assay, clonogenity test, and sulforhodamine 101 stain with DAPI (4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) were used to assess the morphological apoptosis in breast cancer cells. (3) Results: The results of this study revealed a significant increase in the IL-33 and TNF-α cytokine levels in LPS challenged mice along with a considerable elevation in glutathione (GSH); moreover, the catalase (CAT) level was higher compared to that of the control group. Cytotoxicity of the MCF-7 cell line revealed significant differences among the groups treated with different concentrations when compared to the control groups, in a concentration-dependent manner. Hesperidin significantly inhibited the colony formation of MCF7 cells when compared to that of control. Clear changes were observed in the cell shape, including cell shrinkage and chromatin condensation, which were associated with a later apoptotic stage. (4) Conclusion: The results indicate that hesperidin might be a potential candidate in preventing diseases.


Author(s):  
Majid Motaghinejad ◽  
Sulail Fatima ◽  
Morteza Karimian ◽  
Saeid Ganji

AbstractNicotine is one of the psychostimulant agents displaying parasympathomimetic activity; the chronic neurochemical and behavioral effects of nicotine remain unclear. Exercise lowers stress and anxiety and can act as a non-pharmacologic neuroprotective agent. In this study, the protective effects of exercise in nicotine withdrawal syndrome-induced anxiety, depression, and cognition impairment were investigated.Seventy adult male rats were divided randomly into five groups. Group 1 served as negative control and received normal saline (0.2 mL/rat, i.p.) for 30 days, whereas group 2 (as positive control) received nicotine (6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for the first 15 days. Groups 4, 5, and 6 were treated with nicotine (6 mg/kg/day, s.c.) for the first 15 days and then were treated with forced exercise, bupropion (20 mg/kg/day, i.p.), or a combination of the two for the following 15 days. Between day 25 and day 30, Morris water maze was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory. From days 31 to 35, the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were used to investigate the level of anxiety and depression in the subjects.Nicotine-dependent animals indicated a reflective depression and anxiety in a dose-dependent manner in FST, EPM, and TST, which were significantly different from the control group and also can significantly attenuate the motor activity and anxiety in OFT.Forced exercise, bupropion, or their combination can attenuate nicotine cessation-induced anxiety, depression, and motor activity in the mentioned behavioral assay. We conclude that forced exercise can protect the brain against nicotine withdrawal-induced anxiety, depression, and cognitive alteration.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Chao Liu ◽  
Hung-Chen Lee ◽  
Chia-Chih Liao ◽  
Allen H. Li ◽  
Huang-Ping Yu

Objectives. To investigate the protective effects of tropisetron on acetaminophen- (APAP-) induced liver injury in a mice model.Methods. C57BL/6 male mice were given tropisetron (0.3 to 10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before a hepatotoxic dose of acetaminophen (300 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Twenty hours after APAP intoxication, sera alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and liver histopathological changes were examined. The MAP kinases were also detected by western blotting.Results. Our results showed that tropisetron pretreatment significantly attenuated the acute elevations of the liver enzyme ALT level, hepatic MPO activity, and hepatocytes necrosis in a dose-dependent manner (0.3–10 mg/kg) in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity mice. Tropisetron (1 and 3 mg/kg) suppressed APAP-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation expression and alleviated GSH and SOD depletion. Administration of tropisetron also attenuated the phosphorylation of c-Jun-NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) caused by APAP.Conclusion. Our data demonstrated that tropisetron’s hepatoprotective effect was in part correlated with the antioxidant, which were mediated via JNK and ERK pathways on acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Zhenjing Li ◽  
Xiaohong Zhang ◽  
Yibin Xue ◽  
Jingkai Zhang ◽  
Meiling Li ◽  
...  

Acetaldehyde is a harmful metabolite of smoking and drinking. This study was initially intended to facilitate the understanding of the possible injury mechanism of A549 cells damaged by acetaldehyde and the possible protective mechanism of L-cysteine (L-Cys) by analyzing the oxidative damage indicators, as well as the changes in cell morphology and gene expression. Results from the dithiodimorpholine nitrobenzoic acid colorimetric determination for glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in L-Cys groups were significantly higher (P<0.01) than those in the acetaldehyde group in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) mRNA was significantly reduced compared with the control group (P<0.01) and was noticeably restored in the L-Cys groups. Scanning electronic microscopy observation, DAPI staining, and flow cytometry also indicated that L-Cys could effectively attenuate the oxidative damage to A549 cells caused by acetaldehyde and reduces the rate of apoptosis. In conclusion, the protective effects of L-Cys on A549 cells against oxidative damage by acetaldehyde were dose-dependent within the range of 10 μmol/L to 160 μmol/L. Acetaldehyde damaged the mitochondria and resulted in the apoptosis of A549 cells by reactive oxygen species (ROS), e.g., free radicals, but L-Cys reversed the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, reduced the rate of apoptosis, and protected cells from ROS and oxidative stress.


2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 435-442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Jang ◽  
Jin-Woo Min ◽  
Jun-Gyo In ◽  
Deok-Chun Yang

The protective effects of red ginseng extract and ginseng wine against ethanol-induced male reproductive toxicity were evaluated in male mice using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Mice were divided into 4 groups of 10 and fed plain saline, 6 g/kg per d of ethanol in saline, red ginseng extract plus ethanol, or a fermented preparation of red ginseng extract daily for 5 weeks. We found that the average seminal vesicle weight was significantly lower in the ethanol-treated group compared to the control group, while those of the ginseng-treated groups tended to be higher than the ethanol-treated group. We found a significant decrease in sperm motility and progressiveness in mice treated with ethanol for 5 weeks, while administration of ethanol plus red ginseng extract appeared to minimize the negative effects of ethanol toxicity on male fertility. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were insignificantly lower in the ethanol-treated group than in the control group.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yan Xu ◽  
Yeping Du

The aim of this study is to explore the protective effects of lentinan on endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in sepsis endothelial cells. Firstly, lentinan was extracted, purified, and analyzed. When the concentration of lentinan was in the range of 0.04–4 μM, there was no obvious effect on the morphology of HUVECs. When the concentration reached 10 M, the cells were obviously contracted and necrotic. CCK-8 cell activity experiment showed that when the concentration of lentinan reached 4 μM, the cell activity decreased significantly (P<0.001), and it was in a dose-dependent manner. Then, the cells were divided into the control group (0 μM lentinan), sepsis group, sepsis + lentinan 1.2 μM group, and sepsis + lentinan 2 μM group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that lentinan could significantly reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in sepsis endothelial cells (P<0.001). In addition, flow cytometry and TUNEL staining showed that compared with the control group, the apoptosis of cells in the sepsis group increased significantly (P<0.001), and lentinan could inhibit apoptosis (P<0.001). In terms of mechanism research, the mRNA and protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein in endothelial cells were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting, respectively. It was found that the expression of SIRT1, the upstream factors of endoplasmic reticulum stress in sepsis cells, was obviously inhibited (P<0.001), and the expression of CHOP, GRP78, IRE1α, and ATF6 was significantly increased (P<0.001), However, the pretreatment of lentinan could significantly reverse the above changes (P<0.001). Besides, lentinan could also reduce the expression of phosphorylated p65 protein (the activation marker of NF-κb) and iNOS. Conclusion. When sepsis occurs, lentinan can protect endothelial cells from ERS inflammation and apoptosis induced by sepsis. Thus, lentinan is expected to be a new target for the treatment of sepsis-induced endothelial damage.


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