Effects of liquid extract from Plinia cauliflora fruits residues on Chinese hamsters biochemical parameters

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, popularly known as jabuticaba, is rich in polyphenols. Phenolic compounds exhibit several biological properties, which reflect on biomarkers such as biochemical parameters. In the present study, we evaluated the plasmatic levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid of Chinese hamsters fed for 45 days with a regular diet or cholesterol-enriched diet supplemented with a liquid extract obtained from P. cauliflora fruits residues standardized in ellagic acid and total phenolic compounds. The results showed that the concentrated extract obtained from jabuticaba residues increased the glycemia of animals fed with a regular diet and reduced the plasmatic uric acid levels of animals fed with a cholesterol-enriched diet. Since hyperuricemia is considered to be a significant risk factor of metabolic disorders and the principal pathological basis of gout, the liquid extract from P. cauliflora fruits residues would be a promising candidate as a novel hypouricaemic agent for further investigation.

Biological activity of Melatonin and Some Unexpected Effects of Dynamization

Melatonin was found in animals, plants and bacteria. In animals, it is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness. In animals, melatonin is the hormone of regulation of the circadian rhythms and physiological functions such as sleep timing, blood pressure regulation, seasonal reproduction and many others. Melatonin is known to aid in reducing the effects of jet lag Melatonin appears also to have some use against the sleep problems of people who work rotating or night shifts. Melatonin has many protective properties, such as converting cholesterol to bile, preventing oxidative stress, may help reduce some types of headaches and protect against radiation-induces cellular damage. Melatonin in comparison to placebo is effective for reducing preoperative anxiety in adults when given as premedication. Melatonin may also reduce postoperative anxiety. It appears to cause few side-effects as tested in the short term, up to three months, at low doses. Two systematic reviews in 2005 and 2006 showed that there were no adverse effects of exogenous melatonin in several clinical trials and those comparative trials found that the adverse effects headaches, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness were reported about equally for both melatonin and placebo. Prolonged-release melatonin is safe with long-term use of up to 12 months. However, «natural» melatonin does not mean the best. Melatonin is made of the animal tissue can be contaminated with viruses or proteins that may be dangerous. Mad cow disease may cause changes in supplements made from animal brain tissue. One of the ways of adverse reaction elimination is applying a dynamicizing form of melatonin. Materials and methods. Melatonin (Mel 3ch) was prepared and presented to us with pleasure by Pralnilov A. I. The main aim of the study is to examine the influence of dynamicizing form of melatonin on hair structure in white laboratory mice and rats, Chinese hamsters, 2 years old. During the experiment the following tasks were solved: 1) To examine normal hair structure in white laboratory mice and rats, Chinese hamsters and to study the influence of dynamicizing form of melatonin on animal hair structure. 2) To examine animal behaviour and appearance 3)To estimate mice strength before and after taking melatonin White laboratory mice which belong to the vivarium of Kirov State Medical Academy and rats which belong to the vivarium of Kirov State Agricultural Academy are taking dynamicizing form of melatonin (mel-3CH) in the dose of 5 drops per 20 ml of water during 14 days. After two groups of the animals are organized: control group (7 animals) and the experimental group (7 animals). The experimental animals were injected subcutaneously in the interscapular region by melatonin-retard in the dose of 1 mg per 1 animal. In the control group, this drug is not injected. Hair is held on the subject glass in the 15 % solution NaOH during 5 min. The first swimming of animals was conducted with the aim to randomize resistance to physical exercises of animals. Every male, one by one, is taken to cylinder with water d = 18 cm, h = 40 cm for free swimming. Temperature of water maintains is in the range 29-30 C. Results. The investigation has shown that the hair structure, fleece and activity of the rodents taking mel 3ch from the 5th to the 14th days are being improved. The animal hair becomes bright, healthy and thick. The microscopic examination showed perfect adhering of the cuticle to the cortical layer and that the bottom and the cortical layer had become dense. In the control groups the hair remained faint and tousled. The microscopic examination showed delamination of the cortical layer from the bottom and the cuticle; the bottom had broken structure. The study showed that white laboratory mice taking dynamicizing form of melatonin in the dose of 5 drops per 20 ml of water during 14 days had improved their hair structure and fleece quality. Compulsory swimming method confirmed that dynamicizing form of melatonin increased adaptability of the animals. The time of swimming was 2,5 times more in comparison with the control group.

Cytotoxic Effects of Trifolium pratense, Baptisia australis, and Rubus idaeus Extracts on CHO-K1 Cells

The cytotoxic effects of red clover, blue false indigo, and red raspberry plant extracts were evaluated on CHO-K1 cells. The hormone-dependent CHO-K1 cells are ovarian cells derived from Chinese hamsters. Trifolium pratense (red clover) extracts were obtained from the blossoms and leaves of the red clover plant. Baptisia australis (blue false indigo) extracts were obtained from the roots, stems, and leaves of the blue false indigo plant. Rubus idaeus (red raspberry) extracts were prepared from the fruits of the red raspberry plant. Two methods, soxhlet and microwave assisted extractions, were utilized and evaluated for their effectiveness in producing phyto extracts. Methanol was the solvent used in both methods. In all experiments, the CHO-K1 cell line was exposed to the different extracts for a period of 48 hours. An MTS assay was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the cytotoxic capabilities of each extract at different concentrations on the CHO-K1 cell line. After the collection of all the data, the 1:1 combination of red clover and red raspberry extracts, obtained via soxhlet extraction, yielded the most potent cytotoxic effects on the CHO-K1 cell line.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Chinese Hamsters (Cricetulus griseus)

Background: The companion animal market has changed over the years. The number of people living in small apartments has increased; as a result, the demand for small pets such as exotics, fish, and small rodents has also increased due to their smaller space requirements and ease of handling and care. Pets help relieve anxiety and stress in people suffering from social issues. Small rodents are usually bred in specific cages with cellulose or wood shaving bedding, and fed with commercially available diets. Small rodent clinics struggle due to the lack of scientific reports on some diseases and therapies. To date, the oncology literature is too limited to develop better diagnosis and treatment methods. Here, we report three cases of squamous cell carcinoma in the mandibular region of Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus).Case: Three adult male hamsters averaging 1.5 years old, from different pet stores, bred under home conditions by different owners in Sergipe, Brazil, were brought to the Dr. Vicente Borelli Hospital at Pio X University for exotic veterinary care. Each animal had been bred alone in a specific breeding cage. Each had a history of apathy, loss of appetite, andrapid deformity of the facial region. Radiographs showed areas of bone involvement and extensive injury, with partial resorption of the left ramus and angle of the mandibular region. Due to the location of the tumor mass, the clinical status, and limitations in systemic treatment, euthanasia was recommended for each animal. After anamnesis, the animals weresubjected to clinical assessment. A firm and well-circumscribed mass was identified on palpation. In case A, it compromised the left mandible from the angle to the body and extended to the maxillary soft tissues and left superior lips. In case B, it extended from the ramus to the symphysis on the left side and to the maxillary region, similar to case A. In case C,it extended on both sides of the mandible symphysis, with no alterations in the maxillary soft tissues. Following clinical examination, each animal underwent laterolateral and dorsoventral radiographic examination; no images were suggestive of pulmonary metastasis. However, an expansive mandibular lesion with partial resorption, suggestive of bone neoplasia,was detected. The animals were dehydrated and in clinical distress, and euthanasia was recommended. Histopathological examination of samples from the tumor sites revealed moderate cellular and nuclear pleomorphism and proliferation of neoplastic keratinocytes, suggestive of squamous cell carcinoma, a malignant tumor of epidermal keratinocytes with a highly invasive and aggressive nature.Discussion: The number of reports in the literature of cancer in small rodent companion animals has lead us to believe that neoplasms in these animals are misdiagnosed and/or that their prevalence is underreported. The literature describes that the tumor incidence in hamsters is 3-40%, and that the incidence is higher in male rodents. This incidence range increases the analysis of cancer in these animals from rare to middle-frequent what do not contribute to the animals’ clinics and to small rodent therapeutics. Differential diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma and other tumor types should be addressed, especially osteosarcomas. Histopathological examination is essential to clarify the etiopathogenesis.Keywords: rodents, neoplasm, keratinocytes.