scholarly journals Portulaca oleracea seeds’ extract alleviates acrylamide-induced testicular dysfunction by promoting oxidative status and steroidogenic pathway in rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola M. Farag ◽  
Reham M. Abd-Elsalam ◽  
Shymaa A. El Badawy ◽  
Hanan A. Ogaly ◽  
Muhammad A. Alsherbiny ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acrylamide (ACR) is a widespread industrial and food contaminant that garnered considerable attention for its carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive toxic effects. The antioxidant effects of Portulaca oleracea seeds extract (POS) and its fertility-enhancing effects were inspiring to evaluate the protective potential and pinpoint the mechanisms and molecular targets of the UPLC-MS fingerprinted POS extract on ACR-induced testicular toxicity in rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were divided into 6 equal groups of negative control, ACR model (10 mg/kg b.wt.), POS at doses of (200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt.) and POS-treated ACR groups. All treatments were given by oral dosing every day for 60 days. Results Administration of POS extract reversed the ACR-induced epididymides weight loss with improved semen quality and count, ameliorated the ACR-decreased testicular lesion scoring, testicular oxidative stress, testicular degeneration, Leydig cell apoptosis and the dysregulated PCNA and Caspase-3 expression in a dose-dependent manner. It upregulated the declined level of serum testosterone and the expression of steroidogenic genes such as CYP11A1 and 17β3-HSD with an obvious histologic improvement of the testes with re-establishment of the normal spermatogenic series, Sertoli and Leydig cells. Conclusions The supplementation with POS extract may provide a potential protective effect for ACR-induced testicular dysfunction which is mediated by its antioxidant, antiapoptotic and steroidogenic modulatory effects.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazanin Kahvandi ◽  
Zahra Ebrahimi ◽  
Seyed Asaad Karimi ◽  
Siamak Shahidi ◽  
Iraj Salehi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a principal role in drug reward. It has been reported that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu receptors) play a key role in the rewarding pathway(s). Previous studies have shown the vast allocation of the different types of mGlu receptors, including mGlu8 receptors, in regions that are associated with opioid rewards, such as the NAc. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of mGlu8 receptors within the NAc in the acquisition and expression phases of morphine induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally implanted by two cannulas' in the NAc and were evaluated in a CPP paradigm. Selective mGlu8 receptor allosteric agonist (S-3,4-DCPG) was administered at doses of 0.03, 0.3, and 3 μg/0.5 μL saline per side into the NAc on both sides during the 3 days of morphine (5 mg/kg) conditioning (acquisition) phase, or before place preference test, or post-conditioning (expression) phase of morphine-induced CPP. Results: The results revealed that intra-accumbal administration of S-3,4-DCPG (0.3 and 3 μg) markedly decreased the acquisition in a dose-dependent manner but had no effect on expression of morphine-induced CPP. Conclusions: The findings suggest that activation of mGlu8 receptors in the NAc dose-dependently blocks the establishment of morphine-induced CPP and reduces the rewarding properties of morphine which may be related to the glutamate activity into the NAc and in reward pathway(s). These data suggest that mGlu8 receptor may be involved in conditioned morphine reward.


2019 ◽  
Vol 208 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 158-176
Author(s):  
Amany R. Mahmoud ◽  
Esam Omar Kamel ◽  
Marwa A. Ahmed ◽  
Esraa A. Ahmed ◽  
Tarek Hamdy Abd-Elhamid

Statins are the most widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Statin-induced myopathy is the major side effect of this class of drugs. Here, we studied whether standardized leaf extracts of ginkgo biloba (EGb761) would improve simvastatin (SIM)-induced muscle changes. Sixty Wistar rats were allotted into six groups: control group, vehicle group receiving 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for 30 days, SIM group receiving 80 mg/kg/day SIM in 0.5% CMC orally for 30 days, SIM withdrawal group treated with SIM for 16 days and sacrificed 14 days later, and EGb761-100 and EGb761-200 groups posttreated with either 100 or 200 mg/kg/day EGb761 orally. Muscle performance on the rotarod, serum creatine kinase (CK), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), serum and muscle nitrite, muscle malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities were estimated. Additionally, muscle samples were processed for histopathological evaluation. We found that SIM decreased muscle performance on the rotarod, serum CoQ10, as well as muscle SOD and CAT activities while it increased serum CK, serum and muscle nitrite, as well as muscle MDA levels. SIM also induced sarcoplasmic vacuolation, splitting of myofibers, disorganization of sarcomeres, and disintegration of myofilaments. In contrast, posttreatment with EGb761 increased muscle performance, serum CoQ10, as well as muscle SOD and CAT activities while it reduced serum CK as well as serum and muscle nitrite levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, EGb761 reversed SIM-induced histopathological changes with better results obtained by its higher dose. Interestingly, SIM withdrawal increased muscle performance on the rotarod, reduce serum CK and CoQ10, and reduced serum and muscle nitrite while it reversed SIM-induced histopathological changes. However, SIM withdrawal was not effective enough to restore their normal values. Additionally, SIM withdrawal did not improve SIM-induce muscle MDA, SOD, or CAT activities during the period studied. Our results suggest that EGb761 posttreatment reversed SIM-induces muscle changes possibly through its antioxidant effects, elevation of CoQ10 levels, and antagonizing mitochondrial damage.


2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1300800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pornanong Aramwit ◽  
Pasarapa Towiwat ◽  
Teerapol Srichana

Silk sericin was found to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are related to the inflammatory reaction. The objectives of this study were to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of sericin in vivo using the carrageenan-induced rat edema model and changes in the histology of tissues. The effects of sericin on the expression of COX-2 and iNOS were also evaluated. Sericin solutions at 0.004-0.080 mg/mL were applied topically to the top of the hind paw and carrageenan (1.0 mg) was injected subcutaneously to the plantar surface of the right hind paw. Our results indicated that sericin significantly reduced the inflammation in rats’ paw compared with the negative control (water and acetone) and its effect at 0.080 mg/mL was only slightly lower than that of 1.0% w/v indomethacin. Similar numbers of polymorphonuclear and macrophage cells were found in rats’ tissue treated with indomethacin and sericin solution, while the numbers were significantly higher in their absence. The gene expression results by RT-PCR showed that the COX-2 and iNOS genes were down-regulated in samples treated with sericin in a dose dependent manner. These data indicated that the anti-inflammatory properties of sericin may be partly attributable to the suppression of the COX-2 enzyme and nitric oxide production.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Višnja Popović ◽  
Silvana Petrović ◽  
Maja Tomić ◽  
Radica Stepanović-Petrović ◽  
Ana Micov ◽  
...  

In this paper antinociceptive and anti-edematous effects are examined of the essential oils of the underground parts of two Balkan endemic Laserpitium species (Apiaceae), L. zernyi and L. ochridanum. Furthermore, the essential oil of the underground parts of L. ochridanum is chemically characterised by GC and GC-MS. Antinociceptive and anti-edematous effects were measured in a rat model of localized inflammation, induced by carrageenan, using apparatus for the modified paw-pressure test, and plethysmometer, respectively. The effects of both Laserpitium essential oils were measured after oral gavage administration to male Wistar rats in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg. The main constituents of L. ochridanum essential oil were: α-pinene (33.2%), α-bisabolol (10.3%) and chamazulene (14.9%). The essential oil of L. zernyi was previously shown to be rich in α-pinene (31.6%) and α-bisabolol (30.9%). Both examined essential oils produced a significant dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. The corresponding ED50±SEM in producing antinociception were 45.9±4.9 mg/kg and 42.4±2.1 mg/kg for L. zernyi and L. ochridanum oil, respectively. Both essential oils also significantly reduced paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. The estimated ED50±SEM values for the anti-edematous effect were 36.3±4.5 mg/kg for L. zernyi oil and 45.1±11.3 mg/kg for L. ochridanum oil. These results suggest that the essential oils of both investigated Laserpitium species may be effective against pain and edema present in various inflammatory conditions.


2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 (5) ◽  
pp. 249-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riina Nieminen ◽  
Sari Leinonen ◽  
Aleksi Lahti ◽  
Katriina Vuolteenaho ◽  
Ulla Jalonen ◽  
...  

Inducible prostaglandin synthase (cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2) is expressed in rheumatoid and osteoarthritic cartilage and produces high amounts of proinflammatory prostanoids in the joint. In the present study we investigated the effects of the inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways Erk1/2, p38, and JNK on COX-2 expression and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) production in human chondrocytes. Proinflammatory cytokine IL-1βcaused a transient activation of Erk1/2, p38, and JNK in immortalized human T/C28a2 chondrocytes and that was followed by enhanced COX-2 expression and PGE2production. PD98059 (an inhibitor of Erk1/2 pathway) suppressed IL-1-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2production in a dose-dependent manner, and seemed to have an inhibitory effect on COX-2 activity. SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38 pathway) but not its negative control compound SB202474 inhibited COX-2 protein and mRNA expression and subsequent PGE2synthesis at micromolar drug concentrations. SP600125 (a recently developed JNK inhibitor) but not its negative control compound N1-methyl-1,9-pyrazolanthrone downregulated COX-2 expression and PGE2formation in a dose-dependent manner. SP600125 did not downregulate IL-1-induced COX-2 mRNA expression when measured 2 h after addition of IL-1βbut suppressed mRNA levels in the later time points suggesting post-transcriptional regulation. Our results suggest that activation of Erk1/2, p38, and JNK pathways belongs to the signaling cascades that mediate the upregulation of COX-2 expression and PGE2production in human chondrocytes exposed to proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β.


2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 766-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuo Tsutsumi ◽  
Shuzo Oshita ◽  
Takashi Kawano ◽  
Hiroshi Kitahata ◽  
Yoshinobu Tomiyama ◽  
...  

Background Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondrial rather than sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channels may have an important role in the protection of myocardium during ischemia. Because both lidocaine and mexiletine are frequently used antiarrhythmic drugs during myocardial ischemia, it is important to investigate whether they affect mitochondrial K(ATP) channel activities. Methods Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with ether. Single, quiescent ventricular myocytes were dispersed enzymatically. The authors measured flavoprotein fluorescence to evaluate mitochondrial redox state. Lidocaine or mexiletine was applied after administration of diazoxide (25 microM), a selective mitochondrial K(ATP) channel opener. The redox signal was normalized to the baseline flavoprotein fluorescence obtained during exposure to 2,4-dinitrophenol, a protonophore that uncouples respiration from ATP synthesis and collapses the mitochondrial potential. Results Diazoxide-induced oxidation of flavoproteins and the redox changes were inhibited by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid, a selective mitochondrial K(ATP) channel blocker, suggesting that flavoprotein fluorescence can be used as an index of mitochondrial oxidation mediated by mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. Lidocaine (10(-3) to 10 mM) and mexiletine (10(-3) to 10 mM) reduced oxidation of the mitochondrial matrix in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of 98+/-63 microM for lidocaine and 107+/-89 microM for mexiletine. Conclusions Both lidocaine and mexiletine reduced flavoprotein fluorescence induced by diazoxide in rat ventricular myocytes, indicating that these antiarrhythmic drugs may produce impairment of mitochondrial oxidation mediated by mitochondrial K(ATP) channels.


Author(s):  
Ghasem Majdi Yazdi ◽  
◽  
Gholamhasan Vaezi ◽  
Vida Hojati ◽  
Mohammad Mohammadzadeh ◽  
...  

Introduction: Research has shown that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can damage brain tissue physiological processes. Given the antioxidant properties of gingerol (GING), the aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of 6-gingerol on hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, DNA oxidative damage, and the amount of Bax and Bcl-2 Apoptosis indices of rats exposed to AuNPs. Methods: Forty two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (30 days 0.5 ml saline), AuNPs (one time injection of 0.5 ml AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 ml saline), AuNPs+GING 50 (one time injection of 0.5 ml AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 ml density of gingerol 50 mg / kg), AuNPs+GING100 (one time injection of 0.5 ml AuNPs, 200 ppm and 60 Nm + 30 days 0.5 ml density of gingerol 100 mg / kg). At the end of the treatment period, the hippocampal levels of NGF, BDNF, 8-HodG and Apoptotic indices of Bax and Bcl-2 were assessed through ELISA method. Results: Compared with the AuNPs group, hippocampal levels of BDNF, NGF, and Bcl-2 in rats from AuNPs+GING 50 and AuNPs+GING 100 groups significantly increased depending on the dose of injection. The hippocampal levels of Bax and HOdG-8 significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Conclusion: According to obtained results, it may be suggested that gingerol improves hippocampal BDNF and NGF levels in rats exposed to AuNPs maybe by reducing apoptosis and oxidative DNA damage.


1970 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdissa Biruksew ◽  
Ahmed Zeynudin ◽  
Yonas Alemu ◽  
Lemu Golassa ◽  
Moti Yohannes ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs necessitated the search for new drugs from natural products. Zingiber officinal Roscoe and Echinops Kebericho Mesfin are traditional herbal medicines widely used for the treatment of malaria in Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to assess the toxicity profile and in vivo antiplasmodial activities of 70% methanol crude extracts of both plant materials against Plasmodium berghei.METHODS: Healthy male Swiss Albino mice of age 4-5 weeks and weight 25-36 g were infected by P. berghei. The extracts were administered orally at doses 5000, 2500 and 1250 mg/kg for acute toxicity of E. kebericho Mesfin. Graded doses at 1000, 500 and 250 mg/kg used for four days suppressive studies. Parasitemia, body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and survival time were determined. SPSS Version 20 was used for the analysis of data of parasitemia, body weight, PCV, and survival times. Statistical significance was determined by one-way ANOVA. Independent ttest was used to compare results. Results were presented as a mean ± standard error of the mean (M ± SEM). All data were analyzed at a 95% confidence interval (α= 0.05).RESULTS: At the dose of 5000 mg/kg, E. kebericho Mesfin showed no toxic effects. The LD50 of extract could go beyond the dose used. In vivo antiplasmodial activity of extracts showed excellent chemo suppression at 500 and 1000 mg/kg in a dose dependent manner compared with the negative control. The chemo suppressions of the 1000 mg/kg of both plant extracts were 49.53 ± 1.90% and 32.83 ± 1.03%, respectively. The survival times of P. berghei infected mice were also a dose dependent manner while failed to prevent weight loss.CONCLUSION: The extracts of both medicinal plants showed antiplasmodial activities against P. berghei. It confirmed the literature findings and their traditional uses. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Forouzanfar ◽  
Hossein Hosseinzadeh ◽  
Mohammad B. Khorrami ◽  
Samira Asgharzade ◽  
Hassan Rakhshandeh

Background: Neuropathic pain responds poorly to drug treatments. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of Portulaca oleracea, in chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Objective & Methods: Neuropathic pain was performed by putting four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve. CCI resulted in the development of heat hyperalgesia, mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia accompanied by an increase in the contents of TNF-α, IL1β, malondialdehyde, with a reduction in total thiol content. Results: Administration of Portulaca oleracea (100 and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal) for 14 days in CCI rats significantly alleviated pain-related behaviors, oxidative damage and inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is suggested that the antinociceptive effects of Portulaca oleracea might be due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Tominaga ◽  
T. Kido ◽  
M. Ochi ◽  
C. Sadakane ◽  
A. Mase ◽  
...  

The traditional Japanese medicine rikkunshito ameliorates the nitric oxide-associated delay in gastric emptying. Whether rikkunshito affects gastric motility associated with 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin: 5-HT) receptors or dopamine receptors is unknown. We examined the effects of rikkunshito on the delay in gastric emptying induced by 5-HT or dopamine using the phenol red method in male Wistar rats. 5-HT (0.01–1.0 mg kg−1, i.p.) dose dependently delayed gastric emptying, similar to the effect of the 5-HT3receptor agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl) biguanide (0.01–1.0 mg kg−1, i.p.). Dopamine also dose dependently delayed gastric emptying. The 5-HT3receptor antagonist ondansetron (0.04–4.0 mg kg−1) and rikkunshito (125–500 mg kg−1) significantly suppressed the delay in gastric emptying caused by 5-HT or 1-(3-chlorophenyl) biguanide. Hesperidin (the most active ingredient in rikkunshito) suppressed the 5-HT-induced delayed gastric emptying in a dose-dependent manner, the maximum effect of which was similar to that of ondansetron (0.4 mg kg−1). The improvement obtained by rikkunshito or ondansetron in delaying gastric emptying was completely blocked by pretreatment with atropine. Rikkunshito appears to improve delay in gastric emptying via the antagonistic action of the 5-HT3receptor pathway.


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