scholarly journals The effect of fluoxetine and imipramine on the improvement of depressive-like behaviors and HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex) activity – an animal model

2021 ◽  
pp. 79-88
Author(s):  
Raghad Abdulsalam Khaleel ◽  
Saja Majeed Shareef ◽  
Zinah Essam Hameed ◽  
Khulood Majid Alsaraf ◽  
Maadh Fawzi Nassar
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Antidepressant Drugs ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Immobility Time

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders and numerous medications are used to reduce the psychotic symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of two commonly used antidepressant drugs, including Fluoxetine (Flx) and Imipramine (IMP) to improve depressive-like behaviors as well as the activity of hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA). Methods: Initially, 40 adult male albino rats weighing 25±5g were selected for this experimental study. The animals were kept or housed in separate cages under standard temperature (25±1°C) and light-dark conditions (12 hours light/dark cycle). Rats were divided into four groups: each group containing 10 rats, control, immobility stress, Flx receiver, and IMP receiver. Polyethylene restrainer was used to induce immobility stress for 14 days. Finally, the parameters of IMT, ST, serum levels of corticosterone and glucose were evaluated in all four mentioned groups. Results: The results showed that the patient group's immobility time (IMT) increased compared to the control group, but the patient group's swimming time (ST) decreased compared to the control group. The effect of immobility stress on IMT, ST, corticosterone, and glucose factors in the patient group was increasing and decreasing, respectively, whereas the effect of Flx drug on these mentioned factors was decreasing, increasing and respectively, while the effect of IMP on all mentioned factors was decreasing and increasing, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the antidepressant Flx and IMP drugs have various effects on the HPA activity, and the application of immobility stress causes depressive-behavior. Moreover, Flx is more effective than IMP in the treatment of depressive behaviors

scholarly journals Protective and therapeutic effects of Trianthema portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in male albino rats via G-protein-coupled receptor 124

AMB Express ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haoyu Wu ◽  
Tianjiao Gao ◽  
Yiwei Cao ◽  
Jiayu Diao ◽  
Fengjun Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
G Protein Coupled Receptor ◽  
Trianthema Portulacastrum ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Abstract Atherosclerosis is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by narrowing of the lumen, plaque formation, and blood flow turbulence as a result of cholesterol and lipid accumulation in the inner lining of arteries. Bishkhapra (Trianthema portulacastrum Linn.) is a well-known common weed belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Several bioactive compounds have been isolated from this weed and widely used against several diseases. The present study evaluated the protective and therapeutic efficacies of T. portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in a rat model. The animals were divided into the sham, control (diabetes- + atherosclerosis-inducing diet), 100 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum treatment, and positive control groups. Blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and other lipid parameters, as well as the expression of G-protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124), were measured. Glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced to near normal levels. The serum levels of fibrinogen, sVCAM-1, and oxidized low density lipoproteins were substantially increased in control rats. Treatment with the T. portulacastrum extract reversed these levels to near normal levels. The mRNA expression of GPR124 was increased by 150% in the control group. However, treatment with T. portulacastrum extract decreased the mRNA expression up to 40% compared with the control group. Rats treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg T. portulacastrum extract showed a decrease in GPR124 protein expression by 9.5% and 33.3%, respectively. Taken together, the results suggest that an extract of T. portulacastrum is effective against atherosclerosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of zinc supplementation in testes of rats with experimentally induced diabetes

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1010-1018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neven M. Aziz ◽  
Maha Y. Kamel ◽  
Manar S. Mohamed ◽  
Sabreen M. Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Connexin 43 ◽  
Concomitant Administration ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Safe Alternative ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Factor Α ◽  
Percent Area

One of the major obstacles that males with diabetes may confront is subfertility or infertility. Thus, the present study investigated the effect of co-administration of metformin and zinc (Zn) on the testes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group; untreated diabetic group; diabetic + metformin group, in which diabetic rats were treated orally with metformin (250 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks; and diabetic + metformin + Zn group, in which diabetic rats were treated orally with metformin in combination with Zn (10 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks. Concomitant administration of metformin and Zn produced a significant decrease in serum levels of glucose and insulin and testicular levels of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor α. Additionally, there was a significant increase in serum levels of Zn, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, as well as testicular total antioxidant capacity and anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, when compared with both the diabetic and metformin-treated diabetic groups. Moreover, co-administration of Zn and metformin significantly improved testicular histopathology, with a significant reduction in percent area of collagen fibers and nuclear factor kappa B (p65) immunoreactivity and a significant increase in seminiferous tubule diameter and connexin 43 immunoreactivity as compared with the diabetic and metformin-treated diabetic groups. In conclusion, the combination of Zn and metformin was an efficacious and safe alternative treatment, as it had superior antihyperglycemic efficacy and provided additional benefits over metformin alone in rats with type 2 diabetes.

scholarly journals Ameliorating Effect of L-arginine and Insulin on Streptozotocin-induced Adrenal Gland Injury in Albino Rats

1969 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-168
Author(s):  
Yasmeen Mahar ◽  
Alisha Qamar ◽  
lnayatullah ◽  
Sarwath Fatimee ◽  
Mohammad Fawad Saeeduddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Gland ◽  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Endocrine Gland ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Frozen Sections ◽  
Group B

Background:Use of dietary supplements to treat illnesses has increasedtremendously in recentyears.Adrenal gland is one ofthemost commonly damaged endocrine gland in the body, not only by chemical or radiation injuries, but also as a result of differenttypes of stress.Search is underway for use ofnatural foods for protection of adrenal gland from different types ofinsults.Objective: To determine the protective effects of L-arginine on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced adrenal gland injury in albino rats,andto compare its efficacy to insulin.Material and Methods: This prospective experimental study was done at BMSI, JPMC, Karachi. Forty male, healthy albino rats,90-120 days old were segregated into 4 groups. Group A was marked as control, group B was administered STZ, group C and Dwere treated with STZ along with insulin and L-arginine respectively. At the end of study period, i.e., 6 weeks, animals weresacrificed under ether anaesthesia. Tissue from the left adrenal gland was processed for frozen sectioning to observe fat content ofthe adrenal cortex by applying OilRed O stain.Results: Oil Red-0 stained frozen sections revealed closely aggregated fat globules in adrenal cortex of STZ treated group B ascompared to control. Moderate betterment was seen in group C and in group D Oil Red O stained frozen sections as compared toSTZ treated group B.Conclusion: The results ofthe study demonstrated adrenal cortex injury by STZ which ameliorated with concomitant use of insulinandL-arginine. The protection was more pronounced with L-arginine as comparedto insulin.Keywords:STZ, adrenal gland,insulin,L-arginine

scholarly journals Radioprotective and anti-diabetic effects of Costus speciosus and carnosine

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-127
Author(s):  
Ebtisam A. Marzook ◽  
Fawzy A. Marzook ◽  
Ahmed E. Abd El Moneim
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Total Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Natural Antioxidants ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Costus Speciosus ◽  
Total Antioxidant

Purpose: To evaluate the possible radioprotective effect of Costus speciosus and carnosine as natural antioxidants in order to control the  hyperglycemia developed in male albino rats exposed to acute oxidative stress induced by gamma radiation. Methods: Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. The first group was taken as a control group, while the three other groups were exposed to Ɣ irradiation at a single 7.5 Gy dose. Furthermore, the rats in the second and third groups were i.p. injected with Costus speciosus root powder and carnosine, respectively. On the 3rd day, after irradiation, the serum levels of glucose, insulin, C peptide, copper, iron, calcium, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measureded. Results: The results revealed that exposure to Ɣ irradiation induced significant increases in serum glucose, iron, and malondialdehyde. However, the levels of serum calcium, copper, total antioxidant capacity and insulin significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant decrease was observed in Cpeptide in the exposed group, compared to control group. All the test parameters indicate improvement after treatment with Costus speciosus and carnosine (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Costus speciosus and carnosine ameliorate the effect of gamma radiation, indicating their role as antidiabetic agents and  radioprotectors; however, Costus speciosus was critically more efficient than carnosine. Keywords: Costus speciosus, Carnosine, Diabetes, Insulin, Gamma radiation protection

scholarly journals Antipsychotic drugs increase Neuregulin1b1 serum levels in first-episode drug-naïve patients and chronic schizophrenia with suggestions for improving the treatment of psychotic symptoms

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haidong Yang ◽  
Wen Pan ◽  
Wenhuan Xiao ◽  
Man Yang ◽  
Jianchun Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antipsychotic Drugs ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Pathophysiological Mechanism ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Drug Naïve

Abstract Background: Neuregulin1 (NRG1) plays a role in neuronal migration, regulation of synaptic plasticity, and neural survival, and has been considered to be among the candidate genes for schizophrenia. This study focused on the variations in serum NRG1b1 levels following antipsychotic treatment and the relationship between NRG1b1 level and improvements in psychotic symptoms in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN) patients and chronic schizophrenia.Methods: A total of 100 patients with schizophrenia were recruited and compared with 79 matched healthy controls. All patients had been drug-naïve for at least four weeks. Serum NRG1b1 levels and positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores were measured at the baseline and after four weeks. Serum NRG1b1 levels were measured using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).Results: Baseline NRG1b1 levels were significantly lower in the patients with schizophrenia compared with the healthy controls. NRG1b1 levels increased significantly following antipsychotic treatment. NRG1b1 levels gradually increased with declining PANSS scores and its three subscales during antipsychotic therapy. The levels of NRG1b1 increased significantly in responders after four weeks of treatment, although non-responders showed no such effect. Correlation analyses showed that the levels of NRG1b1 were negatively correlated with the duration of illness and positively correlated with improvement in symptoms.Conclusion: The levels of serum NRG1b1 and the therapeutic effects gradually increased following treatment, indicating that NRG1b1 may be an indicator of therapy, and that it may also be associated with the pathophysiological mechanism causing schizophrenia, although this possible pathway requires further investigation. Antipsychotic drugs increase Neuregulin1b1 serum levels in first-episode drug-naïve patients and chronic schizophrenia with suggestions for improving the treatment of psychotic symptoms

scholarly journals Effects of Vitamin B-Complex Supplementation Alone or Combined with Estrogen on Bone Loss in Ovariectomized Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanan F. Al-Saeed, Bassant M.M. Ibrahim, and Aziza B. Shalby
Keyword(s):  
Ethinyl Estradiol ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Ovx Rats ◽  
Turnover Markers ◽  
Collagen Type 1

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis has become a global health issues recently. Several vitamins play a role in building and maintenance of bones. Objective: To evaluate the possible roles of vitamin B-complex supplementation alone or combined with estrogen in the improvement of osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty adult female albino rats were equally divided into 5 groups then 4 groups were exposed to ovariectomy: Control group, OVX group, OVX/ Ethinyl estradiol (EE) group, OVX/B-complex group and OVX/EE/B-complex only. All treatments were started 4 weeks after surgery and continued for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected to measure serum levels of homocysteine (HCY), bone–specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) and calcium (Ca++). Results: Ovariectomy increased serum levels of Ca++, bone turnover markers (BAP and CTX) and homocysteine (HCY). Serum Ca++ levels were increased, while serum levels of bone markers and HCY were decreased) in all treated groups but, only rats treated with EE and vitamin B-complex returned the serum levels of CTX and HCY to normal. Conclusion: Vitamin B-complex showed some antiosteoporotic effects in OVX rats.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Abies webbiana and Berberis aristata in Laboratory Animals

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 244-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sucheta Gautam ◽  
Neetu Sachan ◽  
Alankar Shrivastav ◽  
Dilipkumar Pal
Keyword(s):  
Ethanolic Extract ◽  
Antidepressant Activity ◽  
Tail Suspension Test ◽  
Laboratory Animals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Standard Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Conventional Drug ◽  
Immobility Time ◽  
Swimming Test

Abstract Objective: Abies webbiana and Berberis aristata is an herbal plant that has several therapeutic effects. It also heals depression, grief, nervous stress and tension. In the present study we evaluated anti-depressant effect of ethanolic extract from Abies webbiana and Berberis aristata by using Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). Methods: Two doses of ethanolic extract of Abies webbiana and berberis aristata (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was given orally. Immobility time were measured after 30 min after the dosing and compared with control group and Flouxetine (25mg/kg) as a standard group. Results: The ethanolic extract of BA and AW (400 mg/kg) was found to be effective and it exhibited activity similar to that of the conventional drug Flouxetine (25mg/kg) (p<0.001) whereas 200 mg/kg dose showed higher activity with significantly increased swimming time and suspension time and decreased immobility time than 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extracts and Flouxetine (25mg/kg). Conclusion: These results proposed 400 mg/kg of ethanolic extract was showed higher anti-depressant activity as compared to control which is similar to the standard.

scholarly journals Beneficial Effects of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) in Treating Obesity in Rats

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nawal A. A. Elghazaly ◽  
Eman H. Radwan ◽  
Hala H. Zaatout ◽  
Mohamed M. Elghazaly ◽  
Nour El din Allam
Keyword(s):  
Total Protein ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Insulin Resistance Syndrome ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Foeniculum Vulgare ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Obesity is associated with a number of serious medical complications, which are often referred to as the “insulin resistance syndrome”. The aim of the present study was performed to investigate the possible interaction between a conventional drug used for management of cholesterol and traditional herbal remedies on the obesity. This was carried through out: through estimation of blood test; Estimation of serum tests; Determination of oxidative stress biomarkers and the antioxidant enzymes activities in the liver were assayed; Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney of adult male albino rats were done. In the present study, the serum levels of the total protein and albumin in the obesity group (7.1± 0.2) and (4.78 ± 0.19); respectively were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more than those of the control group (6.5±0.1) and (3.95± 0.1).The administration of (fennel group) revealed significant (P<0.05) decrease in the serum levels of the albumin and total protein (4.38± 0.1) and (6.65± 0.2); respectively as compared to the obesity group (4.78 ± 0.19) and (7.1± 0.2(. The total cholesterol of the group(5) (fennel and ator) after two weeks from a high fat diet than treatment with fennel and Ator through six weeks equal 142.86±5.9, 100.4±8.68, 93.29±5.99, 87.1±11.28, 80.4±21.55, 78.1±6.7 and 77.1±6.87; respectively. The present study showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP in the obesity group which recorded as (60.5±11.45), (57.25±6.3) and (845.0±49.47); respectively as compared to the control group (28.25±1.7), (38.5±3.87) and (537.0±41.5); respectively. The fennel group caused significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (41.0± 2.9), (42.25+3.2) and (717.75+48.6); respectively compared to the obesity group. Ator group showed a significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (40.0±2.16), (42.5±3.1) and (679.25±41.16); respectively compared as obesity group. The activity of AlT, AST and ALP in the fennel and ator group (32.75±2.5), (40.5±2.38) and (601.25±17.5); respectively were near to the control group.

scholarly journals Curative Effects of Ethanol Extract of Prosopis Farcta (Syrian Mesquite) Against Ethylene Glycol Induced Urolithiasis in Male Albino Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Kowan M. Ahmed ◽  
Sarbast A. Mahmud
Keyword(s):  
Ethylene Glycol ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Fruit Extract ◽  
Kidney Weight ◽  
Prosopis Farcta ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

The present study was designed to evaluate the antiurolithiatic activity of Prosopis farcta (P. farcta) ethanol fruit extract in ethylene glycol (EG) induced urolithiasis in male albino rats. Lithiasis was induced by oral administration of EG 1% in male albino rats for 28 days. Seventy eight male albino rats weighing 250-300g were used and divided into six experimental groups. Group A is a control group received standard rat chow and tap water ad libitum, while, rest of groups namely group B, C, D, E, F animals received 1% EG in water for 28 days, then from day 15 to day 28 in addition to EG administration, group C received cystone, group D, E and F received 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight (B.W.) of ethanol fruit extract of P. farcta respectively. On day 28, blood was collected for serum biochemical (serum uric acid, creatinine, urea, electrolytes measurements, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) determinations. While urine was collected to microscopic analysis of formed crystals besides the kidney weight/ B.W. ratio and B.W. gain/ loss values were determined. Intermediate dose (200mg/kg B.W.) of P. farcta extract significantly decreased serum creatinine, urea, MDA and non-significantly recovered SOD toward control value in group E as compared to group B, also significant elevation in kidney weight/ B.W. ratio and reduction in B.W. gains in group B occurred as compared with group A. In conclusion: P. farcta fruit extract has potentially therapeutic effects on EG induced kidney stone which can be used as effective antiurolithiatic agent rather than cystone.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Curative Effect and Serum Inflammatory Factors Level in Male Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia Treated With Olanzapine

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Ma ◽  
Yanting Zhang ◽  
Zhuowei Huang ◽  
Xuebing Liu ◽  
Luxian Lv ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Levels ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Hs Crp ◽  
Effective Group ◽  
First Episode Schizophrenia

Background: A growing body of evidence shows that immune system disorders are one of the important etiological factors of schizophrenia. Inflammatory cytokines play a very critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. However, in the actual clinical practice, there is still a lack of confirmed biological indicators that can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of antipsychotics.Methods: In this study, 82 male patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls were included. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were evaluated, and the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were detected, both at baseline and 4 weeks later. The patients were divided into two groups, the effective group and the ineffective group, according to the reduction rate of PANSS.Results: In the case group, the levels of hs-CRP were significantly elevated (p = 0.00), whereas IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly reduced as compared to the baseline (p = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.00, respectively). Importantly, the baseline levels of the five inflammatory factors were significantly higher in the case group as compared to the control group (p = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, and 0.00, respectively). Post-treatment, the serum levels for IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly higher in the effective group than in the ineffective group (p = 0.00, 0.00, and 0.01, respectively). For every increase in the amount of IL-1β, the risk of ineffectiveness increased by 7% (OR = 0.93 [0.86–1.00]; p = 0.04), whereas for every increase in the amount of IL-17, the risk of ineffectiveness increased by 5% (OR = 0.95 [0.90–0.99]; p = 0.03).Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the levels of inflammatory factors in patients with different therapeutic effects were different, and the changes in the amounts of IL-1β and IL-17 acted as predictors of poor efficacy.

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