Oral Administration of Rauwolfia Serpentina Plant Extract Mitigated Immobilization Stress-Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Deficits in Rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 875-875
Author(s):  
Erum Shireen Erum Shireen ◽  
Wafa Binte Ali Wafa Binte Ali ◽  
Maria Masroor Maria Masroor ◽  
Shamim A Qureshi Shamim A Qureshi ◽  
Sehrish Kiran Sehrish Kiran ◽  
...  

Rauwolfia Serpentina is a medicinal herb used for hypertension and psychotic disorders. In this study neuroprotective effects of Rauwolfia serpentina plant extract following the exposure to acute immobilization (2h) stress in rats were investigated. The extract of the plant administered orally at non-sedative dose 30mg/kg before immobilization (2h) to observe stress induced behavioral deficits. Neuroprotective efficacy of extract was assessed in terms of alteration in activities of antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). We also monitored leptin, corticosterone and glucose levels in plasma to obtain an imminent role of Rauwolfia serpentina. Animals were orally administered with Rauwolfia serpentina (30mg/kg) while controls receive saline (1ml/kg). Each group was subdivided into stressed and unstressed groups. Behavioral deficits were monitored in the open field and light dark activity box. Animals were decapitated; plasma samples were collected for CAT, SOD, corticosterone, leptin and glucose estimation. Orally administered Rauwolfia serpentina attenuates stress induced behavioral deficits and rise antioxidant enzymes levels. Plant extract also prevents the stress-induced increase in corticosterone but glucose levels do not manifest any significant change. Immobilization stress (2h) induced decrease of plasma leptin levels were reversed by Rauwolfia serpentina. Therefore, the present study suggests that Rauwolfia serpentina has potentiality to antagonize undesirable effects of immobilization stress (2h) by reducing stress perception and inhibitory effects of stress on the activity of hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and animal behaviors. Despite an apparent role of Rauwolfia serpentina the mechanism of action at molecular level causing the acute anxiolytic effects of oral administration of plant extract remains to be determined.

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (3) ◽  
pp. R668-R673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami Abu Fanne ◽  
Taher Nassar ◽  
Samuel N. Heyman ◽  
Nuha Hijazi ◽  
Abd Al-Roof Higazi

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, diabetes and hyperglycemia are associated with increased infarct size, more profound neurologic deficits and higher mortality. Notwithstanding extensive clinical and experimental data, treatment of stroke-associated hyperglycemia with insulin is controversial. In addition to hyperglycemia, diabetes and even early prediabetic insulin resistance are associated with increased levels of amino acids, including the neurotoxic glutamate, in the circulation. The pleiotropic metabolic effects of insulin include a reduction in the concentration of amino acids in the circulation. In this article, we show that in diabetic rats exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, a decrease of plasma glutamate by insulin or glucagon reduces CSF glutamate, improves brain histology, and preserves neurologic function. The neuroprotective effect of insulin and glucagon was similar, notwithstanding their opposite effects on blood glucose. The therapeutic window of both hormones overlapped with the short duration (∼30 min) of elevated brain glutamate following brain trauma in rodents. Similar neuroprotective effects were found after administration of the glutamate scavenger oxaloacetate, which does not affect glucose metabolism. These data indicate that insulin and glucagon exert a neuroprotective effect within a very brief therapeutic window that correlates with their capacity to reduce glutamate, rather than by modifying glucose levels.


2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 699-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muneeb U. Rehman ◽  
Mir Tahir ◽  
Abdul Quaiyoom Khan ◽  
Rehan Khan ◽  
Abdul Lateef ◽  
...  

Diosmin (DM) is a naturally occurring flavone and has been found to possess numerous therapeutic properties. In this study, we used DM as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic effects of the environmental toxicant trichloroethylene (TCE). Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (I–V, n 6). Groups II, III and IV received an oral administration of TCE at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight for twenty consecutive days. The animals in groups II and III received an oral treatment of DM at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for twenty consecutive days, while groups I and V were given maize oil (5 ml/kg body weight and DM 40 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 20 d. The protective effects of DM on TCE-induced oxidative stress and caspase-dependent apoptosis were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation (LPO), serum toxicity markers, alkaline unwinding assay, caspase-3, -7 and -9, Bax and p53 expression. Oral administration of TCE in rats enhanced renal LPO, depleted glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes, induced DNA strand breaks (P< 0·001), modulated the expression of Bax and p53 protein and induced the expression of caspase-3, -7 and -9. Co-treatment with DM prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes; furthermore, a significant dose-dependent decrease in DNA disintegration and kidney toxicity markers such as blood urea N, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase and kidney injury molecule-1 was observed. DM also effectively decreased the TCE-induced up-regulation of Bax and p53. Data from the present study establish the protective role of DM against TCE-induced renal damage.


Author(s):  
Lyudmila P. Kuzmina ◽  
Anastasiya G. Khotuleva ◽  
Evgeniy V. Kovalevsky ◽  
Nikolay N. Anokhin ◽  
Iraklij M. Tskhomariya

Introduction. Various industries widely use chrysotile asbestos, which determines the relevance of research aimed at the prevention of asbestos-related diseases. It is promising to assess the role of specific genes, which products are potentially involved in the development and regulation of certain links in the pathogenesis of asbestosis, forming a genetic predisposition to the disease. The study aims to analyze the presence of associations of genetic polymorphism of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes with asbestosis development. Materials and methods. Groups were formed for examination among employees of OJSC "Uralasbest" with an established diagnosis of asbestosis and without lung diseases. For each person included in the study, dust exposure doses were calculated considering the percentage of time spent at the workplace during the shift for the entire work time. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms of cytokines IL1b (rs16944), IL4 (rs2243250), IL6 (rs1800795), TNFα (rs1800629) and antioxidant enzymes SOD2 (rs4880), GSTP1 (rs1610011), CAT (rs1001179) was carried out. Results. The authors revealed the associations of polymorphic variants A511G IL1b gene (OR=2.457, 95% CI=1.232-4.899) and C47T SOD2 gene (OR=1.705, 95% CI=1.055-2.756) with the development of asbestosis. There was an increase in the T allele IL4 gene (C589T) frequency in persons with asbestosis at lower values of dust exposure doses (OR=2.185, 95% CI=1.057-4.514). The study showed the associations of polymorphism C589T IL4 gene and C174G IL6 gene with more severe asbestosis, polymorphism A313G GSTP1 gene with pleural lesions in asbestosis. Conclusion. Polymorphic variants of the genes of cytokines and antioxidant enzymes, the protein products directly involved in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the formation of asbestosis, contribute to forming a genetic predisposition to the development and severe course of asbestosis. Using the identified genetic markers to identify risk groups for the development and intense period of asbestos-related pathology will optimize treatment and preventive measures, considering the organism's characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Eddouks ◽  
Farid Khallouki ◽  
Robert W. Owen ◽  
Morad Hebi ◽  
Remy Burcelin

Aims: Arganimide A (4,4-dihydroxy-3,3-imino-di-benzoic acid) is a compound belonging to a family of aminophenolics found in fruit of Argania spinosa. The purpose of this study was to investigate the glucose and lipid lowering activity of Arganimide A (ARG A). Methods: The effect of a single dose and daily oral administration of Arganimide A (ARG A) on blood glucose levels and plasma lipid profile was tested in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight. Results: Single oral administration of ARG A reduced blood glucose levels from 26.50±0.61 mmol/L to 14.27±0.73 mmol/L (p<0.0001) six hours after administration in STZ diabetic rats. Furthermore, blood glucose levels were decreased from 5.35±0.30 mmol/L to 3.57±0.17 mmol/L (p<0.0001) and from 26.50±0.61 mmol/L to 3.67±0.29 mmol/L (p<0.0001) in normal and STZ diabetic rats, respectively, after seven days of treatment. Moreover, no significant changes in body weight in normal and STZ rats were shown. According to the lipid profile, the plasma triglycerides levels were decreased significantly in diabetic rats after seven days of ARG treatment (p<0.05). Moreover, seven days of ARG A treatment decreased significantly the plasma cholesterol concentrations (p<0.001). Conclusion: ARG A possesses glucose and lipid-lowering activity in diabetic rats and this natural compound may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.


Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Mariano Catanesi ◽  
Giulia Caioni ◽  
Vanessa Castelli ◽  
Elisabetta Benedetti ◽  
Michele d’Angelo ◽  
...  

Marine habitats offer a rich reservoir of new bioactive compounds with great pharmaceutical potential; the variety of these molecules is unique, and its production is favored by the chemical and physical conditions of the sea. It is known that marine organisms can synthesize bioactive molecules to survive from atypical environmental conditions, such as oxidative stress, photodynamic damage, and extreme temperature. Recent evidence proposed a beneficial role of these compounds for human health. In particular, xanthines, bryostatin, and 11-dehydrosinulariolide displayed encouraging neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorders. This review will focus on the most promising marine drugs’ neuroprotective potential for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. We will describe these marine compounds’ potential as adjuvant therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.


1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (5) ◽  
pp. R1461-R1467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuya Ando ◽  
Jean Rivier ◽  
Hitoshi Yanaihara ◽  
Akira Arimura

We previously reported the elevation of plasma interleukin (IL)-6 activity in response to immobilization stress in rats. To investigate the role of peripheral corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in this response, we examined the effects of CRF antagonists on immobilization-induced IL-6 response. Intravenous pretreatment with either [d-Phe12,Nle21,38,CαMeLeu37]-anti-human rat (h/r) CRF12—41(1.5 mg/kg) or cyclo(30—33)[d-Phe12, Nle21,38,Glu30,Lys33]-h/rCRF12—41(Astressin, 0.5 mg/kg) attenuated the IL-6 response to immobilization, which confirmed our previous finding that systemic administration of an antiserum against CRF blocked this response. In addition, an intraperitoneal injection of h/rCRF (100 μg/kg) or rat urocortin (10 and 100 μg/kg) increased the plasma IL-6 activity, mimicking the response to immobilization. An intravenous injection of h/rCRF (100 μg/kg) also elevated plasma IL-6 in adrenalectomized rats. These findings suggest that peripheral CRF mediates the plasma IL-6 elevation in response to immobilization.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6403
Author(s):  
Md Saidur Rahman ◽  
Khandkar Shaharina Hossain ◽  
Sharnali Das ◽  
Sushmita Kundu ◽  
Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke ◽  
...  

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone mainly secreted by β cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. The hormone potentially coordinates with glucagon to modulate blood glucose levels; insulin acts via an anabolic pathway, while glucagon performs catabolic functions. Insulin regulates glucose levels in the bloodstream and induces glucose storage in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue, resulting in overall weight gain. The modulation of a wide range of physiological processes by insulin makes its synthesis and levels critical in the onset and progression of several chronic diseases. Although clinical and basic research has made significant progress in understanding the role of insulin in several pathophysiological processes, many aspects of these functions have yet to be elucidated. This review provides an update on insulin secretion and regulation, and its physiological roles and functions in different organs and cells, and implications to overall health. We cast light on recent advances in insulin-signaling targeted therapies, the protective effects of insulin signaling activators against disease, and recommendations and directions for future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-373
Author(s):  
N. M. Wade ◽  
L. H. Trenkner ◽  
I. Viegas ◽  
L. C. Tavares ◽  
M. Palma ◽  
...  

AbstractBarramundi (Lates calcarifer) are a highly valued aquaculture species, and, as obligate carnivores, they have a demonstrated preference for dietary protein over lipid or starch to fuel energetic growth demands. In order to investigate how carnivorous fish regulate nutritional cues, we examined the metabolic effects of feeding two isoenergetic diets that contained different proportions of digestible protein or starch energy. Fish fed a high proportion of dietary starch energy had a higher proportion of liver SFA, but showed no change in plasma glucose levels, and few changes in the expression of genes regulating key hepatic metabolic pathways. Decreased activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin growth signalling cascade was consistent with decreased growth performance values. The fractional synthetic rate (lipogenesis), measured by TAG 2H-enrichment using 2H NMR, was significantly higher in barramundi fed with the starch diet compared with the protein diet (0·6 (se 0·1) v. 0·4 (se 0·1) % per d, respectively). Hepatic TAG-bound glycerol synthetic rates were much higher than other closely related fish such as sea bass, but were not significantly different (starch, 2·8 (se 0·3) v. protein, 3·4 (se 0·3) % per d), highlighting the role of glycerol as a metabolic intermediary and high TAG-FA cycling in barramundi. Overall, dietary starch significantly increased hepatic TAG through increased lipogenesis. Compared with other fish, barramundi possess a unique mechanism to metabolise dietary carbohydrates and this knowledge may define ways to improve performance of advanced formulated feeds.


Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (11) ◽  
pp. 4157-4167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas H. Meek ◽  
Miles E. Matsen ◽  
Vincent Damian ◽  
Alex Cubelo ◽  
Streamson C. Chua ◽  
...  

Abstract Although the antidiabetic effects of leptin require intact neuronal melanocortin signaling in rodents with uncontrolled diabetes (uDM), increased melanocortin signaling is not sufficient to mimic leptin's glucose-lowering effects. The current studies were undertaken to clarify the role of melanocortin signaling in leptin's ability to correct metabolic and neuroendocrine disturbances associated with uDM. To accomplish this, bilateral cannulae were implanted in the lateral ventricle of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and leptin was coinfused with varying doses of the melanocortin 3/4 receptor (MC3/4R) antagonist, SHU9119. An additional cohort of streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats received intracerebroventricular administration of either the MC3/4R agonist, melanotan-II, or its vehicle. Consistent with previous findings, leptin's glucose-lowering effects were blocked by intracerebroventricular SHU9119. In contrast, leptin-mediated suppression of hyperglucagonemia involves both melanocortin dependent and independent mechanisms, and the degree of glucagon inhibition was associated with reduced plasma ketone body levels. Increased central nervous system melanocortin signaling alone fails to mimic leptin's ability to correct any of the metabolic or neuroendocrine disturbances associated with uDM. Moreover, the inability of increased melanocortin signaling to lower diabetic hyperglycemia does not appear to be secondary to release of the endogenous MC3/4R inverse agonist, Agouti-related peptide (AgRP), because AgRP knockout mice did not show increased susceptibility to the antidiabetic effects of increased MC3/4R signaling. Overall, these data suggest that 1) AgRP is not a major driver of diabetic hyperglycemia, 2) mechanisms independent of melanocortin signaling contribute to leptin's antidiabetic effects, and 3) melanocortin receptor blockade dissociates leptin's glucose-lowering effect from its action on other features of uDM, including reversal of hyperglucagonemia and ketosis, suggesting that brain control of ketosis, but not blood glucose levels, is glucagon dependent.


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