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Background: In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were biosynthesized using Rhizopus oryzae. The therapeutic effect of AgNP treatment protocols for hypothyroidism induced in male albino rats via biochemical as well as hematological parameters, thyroid profile, and androgen male sex hormone (testosterone) was evaluated. Results: FTIR, XRD, TEM, DLS, SEM, and EDX were used to comprehensively characterize the biosynthesized AgNPs. The AgNPs have a 17–35 nm diameter, according to the results of their characterization. The average size detected by XRD was 37.96 nm, while the average size of the biosynthesized AgNPs was 78 nm determined by DLS analysis. Furthermore, ALT, AST activity, urea, creatinine, and TSH levels revealed a significant increase in the untreated hypothyroidism group according to potassium dichromate-induced hypothyroidism compared to the normal control group. The untreated hypothyroidism group's FT3, FT4, and albumin levels, however, significantly decreased when compared to the normal control group. In contrast, when compared to the hypothyroidism-untreated group, the mean values of FT3, FT4, and TSH were all significantly higher and TSH was significantly lower in the hypothyroidism AgNPS-treated group. Furthermore, T. testosterone and F. testosterone levels revealed a significant decrease in untreated hypothyroidism group when compared to the normal control group. Contrarily, F. testosterone levels in the hypothyroidism-treated group were much higher than those in the hypothyroidism-untreated group. Conclusions: AgNPs were successfully biosynthesized which exhibited therapeutic potential to increase thyroid hormone levels and avoid the biochemical side effects of thyroid hormone deficiency in the animal model of hypothyroidism.How to cite: Saied E, Hussein AS, Al-Askar AA, et al. Therapeutic effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles on hypothyroidism induced in albino rats. Electron J Biotechnol 2023;65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2023.06.001.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an antitumor drug that causes hepatotoxicity by release of free radicals and injury of the liver tissues. Nano-thymoquinone (nano-TQ) is considered a potent antioxidant that abrogates hepatotoxicity. The aim of the current investigation was to assess the liver toxicity of DOX and the protective effects of nano-TQ on chronic hepatotoxicity in male rats. Sixty rats were divided into four even groups: DOX treated group (group 1) received 3.750 mg/kg b.wt. intraperitoneally at days 10,17,24 and 31 from the beginning of the experiment to make a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg b.wt., Group (2) received DOX as group 1 beside nano-thymoquinone daily from day one in a dose of 10 mg/kg b.wt. until the end of the experiment, Group (3) received nano-TQ only, group (4) is considered a negative control group. Serum samples were used for estimating oxidative stress markers and liver function enzymes. Liver specimens were used for histopathological and Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination. Doxorubicin administration induced an increase in liver enzymes and lipid peroxidation products. Nano-TQ treatment improved those altered parameters. Microscopic examination of the DOX-treated liver sections revealed vascular and parenchymatous alterations as congestion, thrombosis of the blood vessels, vacuolar degeneration, hepatocellular necrosis and fibrosis of the liver. While nano-TQ improved such pathological alteration of the hepatic parenchyma. Transmission electron microscope of the liver revealed infiltration of lymphocyte in the necrotic areas and presence of fat globules in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes in DOX treated group while TEM revealed a unique finding in DOX and nano-TQ treated group expressed by hypertrophy of Kupffer cells. It could be concluded that nano-TQ has a potent antioxidant effect that protected the liver damage via its free radicals scavenging protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of prescribing safe and effective drug therapy is still challenging. Due to the increased number of medications taken by patients, the potential for drug-drug interactions has clinically important consequences. This study focuses on the potential drug-drug interaction between azithromycin and etoricoxib and the possibility of counteracting this adverse reaction by giving ascorbic acid intraperitoneally to male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats weighing 150–180 g were used. The rats were allocated into six equal groups. One group was a control, and the others were given azithromycin, etoricoxib, either alone or combination, with one group treated with ascorbic acid and the last group treated with the drug combination and ascorbic acid. Blood samples were collected for measuring AST, ALT, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin alongside antioxidant enzymes and histopathological examination for both liver and heart tissue. The results showed both hepatic and cardiac damage in azithromycin and etoricoxib groups represented by increasing levels of heaptoc enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin) with declining antioxidant enzymes and elevation of malondialdehyde and the appearance of hepatic and cardiac toxicities. Upon administration, ascorbic acid ameliorated all the mentioned biochemical parameters. In conclusion, ascorbic acid has great antioxidant capacities and hepatic and cardiac ameliorative effects and can alleviate drug interaction toxicity.

Background: Isoprenaline (ISO) in large doses induces morphological and functional alterations in the heart leading to myocardial necrosis. It also produces excessive free radicals resulting from oxidative metabolism of catecholamine. There are increasing evidences that cardiotoxicity of ISO occurs because of generation of free radicals and oxidative stress. Objective: To investigate the protective effect of pioglitazone on the outcome of isoprenaline (ISO) induced myocardial infarct-like lesions in rats. Materials and methods: 50 male Wistar albino rats (150-200gm) were selected for this study. The rats were divided into five groups each consisted of 10 rats. This study was conducted at Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut). Results: Results showed that pretreatment with pioglitazone significantly decreased the activity of LDH, CK, TNF alpha, IL 6 and the levels of CTnI in serum of ISO-induced rats. Our results showed that pretreatment with pioglitazone significantly (p<0.01) decreased the level of MDA compared with ISO alone-induced rats. Conclusion: Pioglitazone has a valuable protective role against myocardial infarction through its action as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by defects in insulin production and activity. During disease progression, changes in lipid peroxidation cause structural modifications via production of free radicals. Fangchinoline is a well-known alkaloid present in Stephaniae tetrandrine S. Moore, which has demonstrated antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Results: The present study analyzed the anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects of fangchinoline in male rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Rats were divided into the following groups: normal control, diabetic, diabetic + fangchinoline 100 mg/kg, diabetic + fangchinoline 200 mg/kg and diabetic + glibencla mide 600 mg/kg. The treatment was administered orally for 45 consecutive days. Lipid peroxidation was substantially increased by >50% in the serum, as well as the liver, kidney, and heart tissues of diabetic rats. However, fangchinoline supplementation significantly reduced lipid peroxidation to near normal levels. Reactive oxygen species levels were substantially increased by >500% in the serum, as well as the liver, kidney, and heart tissues of diabetic rats. Fangchinoline supplementation reduced reactive oxygen species to near normal levels. Fangchinoline supplementation significantly improved superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels in diabetic rats. Total hexoses, sialic acid, hexosamines, and fucose were increased in diabetic rats, whereas fangchinoline supplementation significantly reduced these total hexoses, sialic acid, hexosamines, and fucose to near normal levels Conclusions: Supplementation with fangchinoline led to significant attenuation of the levels of lipid peroxidation, ROS, and glycoprotein components such as total hexoses, hexosamines, sialic acid, and fucose, while improving antioxidant marker levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to find out the effect of different doses of Lipo-6-black fat burner and Caffeine on the physiology of parts of the reproductive system of white male rats. The experiment included administering the Lipo-6-black fat burner to male white rats orally at concentrations (16.82, 8.41 and 4.20). Mg / kg)for 3-6 weeks, and also giving Caffeine orally, which is considered one of the main components of the fat burner at concentrations (11.42, 5.71, and 2.85 mg / kg) for a period of 3-6 weeks for each concentration. The study recorded the presence of weight changes of testis in addition to physiological changes, as it included the results of the first experiment were a decrease in in the weights of the testis and the levels of hormones (Testosterone, LH, FSH) at the middle and end of the experiment. As for the results of the second experiment, changes in the weight of the testis, and an increase in the hormone levels themselves were observed at The middle of the experiment, while at the end of the experiment, no effect on hormones was shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to see the effect of increasing coronary perfusate pressure (CPP) at gradual time laps on the different cardiac parameters of isolated perfused heart in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Twenty rats were used. Group-I served as control (10 male albino rats) and Group-II as a Study group (10 male SHRs). Rats were acclimatized for four weeks with a routine follow-up clinical study. after that the heart of each rat was isolated along with the aorta for the Langendorff perfusion study, different cardiac parameters such as Left Ventricular Developed Pressure (LVDP), Heart Rate (HR) were recorded for the duration of one week. Non- invasively recording of blood pressure also performed in both the groups by NIBP methodology. Cardiac parameters of isolated hearts were recorded at the time intervals of 15 minutes for one hour. The isolated heart was perfused at gradually increased CPP (at 50, 70, 90 and 110 mmHg) along with increasing time. We observed maximum and minimum rate pressure developments in the left ventricle at different time and CPP to measure LVDP and HR in both the groups. Statistically significant difference is marked between groups. SHRs have decreased values of LVDP (p=0.02) during high CPP. This study supports the concept about the interaction of various drug therapies with isolated perfused SHR ‘hearts within a defined time period. So we can suggest that the effect of drug treatment should be evaluated within 60 minutes of langendorff preparation in the hypertensive rat’s heart because of decreased LVDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: hyperlipidemia is a group of heterogeneous disorders characterized by an elevation of lipids in the blood stream. It accounts for the high danger of coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis which is known as a silent killer. Objectives: The aim of work was to evaluate the possible protective effects of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) as a natural hypolipidemic product on the cardiac muscle of adult male albino rats, in comparison with Slimquick as a synthetic hypolipidemic drug and their ability to treat hyperlipidemia or to prevent it. Material and methods: fifty six male albino rats (Rattus albinus) were used and categorized into eight groups (7rats/group) .The 1st group (C) rats were used as a control, the 2nd group (H) rats were treated with high fat diet (HFD) (2% cholesterol) to induce hyperlipidemia for 4 weeks only then scarified, the 3rd group (A) rats were orally administrated with AFA only for 4 weeks(94.5 mg/kg body weight /day), the 4th group (H+A1) rats were treated with HFD enriched with 2% cholesterol for 2 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia and the other 2 weeks were fed on the same HFD plus AFA extract administration, the 5th group (H+A2) rats were treated with HFD diet enriched with 2% cholesterol for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia and then they were fed on normal basal diet (BD) plus AFA extract administration for another 2 weeks, the 6th group (S) rats were orally administrated with Slimquick only for 4 weeks (5 mg orlistat/rat/day), the 7th group (H+S1) rats were treated with HFD diet enriched with 2% cholesterol for 2 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia and the other 2 weeks rats were fed on the same HFD plus Slimquick extract administration, the 8th group (H+S2) rats were treated with HFD diet enriched with 2% cholesterol for 4 weeks to induce hyperlipidemia and then they were fed on normal basal diet (BD) plus Slimquick extract administration for another 2 weeks. Results: the biochemical parameters showed a highly significant increase in the mean value of LDH and CK in the cardiac muscle fibers of the high fat diet group. Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in the cardiac muscles of the high fat diet group. Meanwhile, treatment with AFA or Slimquick ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results; but using AFA extract arrived to decrease the strong changes which were observed in the cardiac muscle fibers of the high fat diet group more than that observed with Slimquick. Conclusion: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract as a natural product and Slimquick as a synthetic drug ameliorated the biochemical, histopathological and histochemical changes in the cardiac muscle of the hyperlipidemic rats. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract proved to be a better hypolipidemic agent than Slimquick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of nanomedicine has been developed to achieve enhanced and targeted delivery of biomolecules including nanoparticles. Despite their convenience, metal nanoparticles confront strenuous challenges including toxicity, low translocation ability into cells and clearance from the organs. This study aims to detect the in vivo cellular interaction between prostatic tissues and gold nanorods on the prostatic tissue and to detect the short-term effect of the gold nanorods to reach prostatic tissue by histopathologic and electron microscopic examinations. Forty-eight adult male albino rats (180-200 g) were used. They were divided into 2 equal groups. The 1st group received injection of saline 0.9% (i.P); while, the 2nd group received 1 ml of 300 µg/kg body weight of AuNRs. On days 1, 3, 7, and 14 post-treatment, six animals from each group were sacrificed and the prostate was dissected and cut into two sections for performing histopathologic and EM study. It has been found that the short term effect of gold nanorods induced pyknotic and apoptotic changes as well as presence of phagocytosis in the prostate tissues. From this study, it could be concluded that gold nanorods have reached prostate tissue; therefore, it could be helpful in upcoming days to establish a concept on the role of gold nanorods in the management of cellular biological behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological side effects of doxorubicin on pancreas tissue in male albino rats Rattus norvegicus. This study were used 55 adult rats (2.5-3.5) month of age. The rats divided into two groups, the first group include (35) rats. The second group were (20) rats. Microscopial examination of pancreas lesion demonstrated oedema around the acini, swelling of the epithelial cells of acini, occurance of cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) at the concentration of (4,5) mg/kg of body weight ,occurrence of small islets that form of few cells and exocrine-endocrine transformation. There were thickness in the walls of blood vessels, thrombus, congestion of blood vessels, we conclude, that doxorubicin had histopathological effect on pancreas in sub-acute doses more than chronic doses.

BACKGROUND Chronic stress increases glucocorticoid levels and accelerates reduction in Leydig cells functions and numbers. Chronic stress models in the working place comprise sleep deprivation, sedentary stress, and physical stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various work stress models, such as stress from paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD), immobilization, and footshock, on serum testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in male albino rats. METHODS This study was of experimental randomized post-test only with control group design using 24 male Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The sample was divided into 4 groups: K1 (control), K2 (PSD), K3 (immobilization) and K4 (footshock), receiving treatment for 25 days. Measured parameters were serum testosterone level and Leydig cell number. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis, followed by post hoc LSD. RESULTS Mean serum testosterone levels (0.07 ± 0.08 ng/ml) and Leydig cell numbers (4.22 ± l0.96) were lowest in the PSD stress model. Serum testosterone levels differed significantly between controls and PSD group (p=0.014), while there was a significant difference in numbers of Leydig cells between footshock stress and PSD (p=0.011) and between the three stress groups and controls (p=0.006). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that PSD, immobilization and footshock stress significantly decreased serum testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The mechanism by which PSD affects serum testosterone is still unclear.

The present study aimed to investigate the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or melatonin (MT) for improvement of β-cell functions in STZ diabetic rats. Male albino rats (130-150 g) were divided into six groups. Control group: received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); melatonin group received melatonin (10 mg/kg b.wt./day for 2 months by oral gavage); diabetic untreated group; diabetic group treated with melatonin; diabetic group treated with MSCs (a single intravenous injection of 3 × 106 cell in PBS); and diabetic group co-treated with stem cells and melatonin. The results showed significant improvement in glucose, insulin, total antioxidant, and malondialdehyde level in diabetic rats treated with either MSCs alone or in combination with melatonin. The imumuno-histochemical analysis showed that MSCs and/or melatonin treatment reduced the rate of inflammation and apoptosis of the islet cells as well as increased the rate of pancreatic cell division. Such results were indicated by a significant improvement in the level of TNF-α, IL-10, PCNA, and caspase-3 to levels very close to the control. Co-treatment of MSCs and MT resulted in an improvement in the tissue of the pancreas and reduced number of damaged β-cells. It can be concluded that co-treatment of stem cells and melatonin has a significant role in restoring the structural and functional efficiency of β-cells in the pancreas more than stem cells alone. Such results may be due to the role of melatonin as an antioxidant in increasing the efficiency and vitality of stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolonged and chronic exposure to stress leads to the loss of neurons at the CA3 (cornu ammonis) hippocampus region and spatial memory deficits. The aim of this study was to study the number of CA3 pyramidal cells in albino rats that were exposed to chronic stress of works model consisting of paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD), immobilization, and foot shock stresses. The method applied was the post-test only method with control group experimental design using completed randomized design (CRD on 24 3–4 month old male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups: group I (control), group II (PSD stress), group III (immobilization stress), and group IV (footshock stress). The CA3 pyramidal cell hippocampus was stained with toluidine-blue. The number of CA3 pyramidal cell of hippocampus was counted using Image raster v2.1 software at 400x magnification in 10 duplicates for each sample. The study was conducted in six months (April–September 2012) at the Animal Laboratory, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Jenderal Soedirman University. Analysis for the differences in the number of CA3 pyramidal cells was conducted using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Post-Hoc LSD. The results of the ANOVA showed a p value=0.037, meaning that there was significant difference in at least two groups of treatment. Further statistical test using Post-Hoc LSD showed a significant difference between the control group (12.9±2.47) and the chronic immobillization group (9,00±1,53) (p

Background Chronic stress increases glucocorticoid levels and accelerates reduction in Leydig cells functions and numbers. Chronic stress models in the working place comprise sleep deprivation, sedentary stress, and physical stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of various work stress models, such as stress from paradoxical sleep deprivation (PSD), immobilization, and footshock, on serum testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in male albino rats. Methods This study was of experimental randomized post-test only with control group design using 24 male Wistar albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The sample was divided into 4 groups: K1 (control), K2 (PSD), K3 (immobilization) and K4 (footshock), receiving treatment for 25 days. Measured parameters were serum testosterone level and Leydig cell number. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis, followed by post hoc LSD. Results Mean serum testosterone levels (0.07 ± 0.08 ng/mL) and Leydig cell numbers (4.22 ± l0.96) were lowest in the PSD stress model. Serum testosterone levels differed significantly between controls and PSD group (p=0.014), while there was a significant difference in numbers of Leydig cells between footshock stress and PSD (p=0.011) and between the three stress groups and controls (p=0.006). Conclusion This study demonstrated that PSD, immobilization and footshock stress significantly decreased serum testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The mechanism by which PSD affects serum testosterone is still unclear.

This study was designed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of aluminium sulphate and the therapeutic effects of administration of zinc sulphate and vitamin E individually or in combination against the toxic effect caused by aluminium (Al) in male albino rats. The animals were divided into five groups: group 1 received distilled water and served as control; group 2 received only aluminium sulphate (50 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)); group 3 received aluminium sulphate (50 mg/kg b.w.) plus zinc sulphate (50 mg/kg b.w.); group 4 received aluminium sulphate (50 mg/kg b.w.) and vitamin E (15 mg/kg b.w.); group 5 received aluminium sulphate plus a combination of zinc sulphate and vitamin E in similar doses as above. Doses were administered orally once daily for 45 consecutive days. The results revealed that aluminium sulphate induced significant decrease in body weight gain and testis weight and significant increase in Al level in both serum and testes of male rats. Biochemical analysis showed significant decrease in serum total protein and phospholipids levels, while serum total lipid was significantly elevated post Al treatment. In addition, significant decrease in total protein, phospholipids and cholesterol levels in the testes of Al-treated rats was recorded. The data also showed significant decrease in the levels of serum testosterone, leutinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone and significant increase in the level of serum prolactin in Al-intoxicated rats. Moreover, histological examination showed that aluminium sulphate caused apparent alterations in the testicular structure of the treated animals. Treatment with zinc sulphate and vitamin E individually or in combination ameliorated the harmful effects of Al, which was proved histopathologically by the noticeable improvement in the testicular tissues. We can conclude that the tested dose of aluminium sulphate induced toxic effect on the reproductive system of male albino rats and the treatment with zinc sulphate and/or vitamin E alleviated these toxic effects. In some cases, vitamin E exerted a more potent effect, while in other cases, the more potent effect is related to zinc sulphate and the combination of both at most of the recorded data. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is an environmental xenobiotic that induces free radical-mediated cytotoxic and reproductive toxicity. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) is an antioxidative agent reported to be important for detoxification.This study aimed to investigate the possible role of NSO in ameliorating the toxic effect of AlCl3 on the histological structure of the testis in male rats.This study was carried out on 40 adult male rats, divided into four equal groups: group I, which served as the control group; group II (the AlCl3-exposed group), which received AlCl3 daily at a dose of 320 mg/kg/l in drinking water through a gastric tube for 1.5 months; group III (the AlCl3+NSO-treated group), which received NSO at a dose of 1 ml/kg orally concomitantly with AlCl3 for 1.5 months; group IV (the withdrawal group), which received only AlCl3 at the same dose for 1.5 months, after which the animals were left untreated for another 1.5 months. The animals of each group were processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. Morphometric and statistical analyses were conducted.Compared with the control group, administration of AlCl3 revealed significant changes in the seminiferous tubules, which appeared shrunken with disorganized germinal epithelium. Cellular vacuolations as well as sloughed spermatogenic cells into the lumen were observed. The interstitium was widened with interstitial hyperplasia. Ultrastructural examination of the AlCl3-exposed group revealed cells with dense cytoplasm and heterochromatic nuclei. Late differentiating spermatids showed deformed heads with widening of the subacrosomal space and redundant acrosome. Concomitant administration of NSO with AlCl3 showed amelioration of most of the histological changes in the AlCl3-intoxicated group. The withdrawal group showed persistence of many structural changes noticed in the AlCl3-intoxicated group with a significant difference compared with the AlCl3+NSO-treated group.NSO played a protective role against AlCl3-induced testicular damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanolic extract of Euphorbia prostrata when administered orally at the dose level of 400 mg/kg body weight per day for 60 days to male rats did not cause any significant loss in their body weights, but the weights of their reproductive organs, i.e., testes, epididymides, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate, decreased in a significant manner when compared to the controls. The production of round spermatids was reduced by 73.04% in E. prostrata-treated rats. The population of preleptotene spermatocytes and spermatogonia were reduced by 65.07% and 47.48% and secondary spermatocytes by 73.41%, respectively. The cross-sectional surface area of Sertoli cells, as well as the cell counts, was found to have been depleted significantly. Leydig cell nuclear area and the number of mature Leydig cells decreased by 57.47% and 54.42%, respectively. Sperm motility, as well as sperm density, reduced significantly. E. prostrata reduced the fertility of male rats by 100%. The protein, glycogen, and cholesterol contents of the testes, fructose in the seminal vesicle, and protein in the epididymides significantly decreased. Histoarchitecture of the testes showed vacuolization at the primary spermatocyte stage. Highly reduced seminiferous tubular diameter and increased intertubular space were also observed when compared to the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was aimed at studying the antifertility potential of the commonly used herb, rosemary in the male albino rats using electron microscopy as the method of investigation. Ethanolic extract of the rosmary prepared and administered orally in two different doses for a period of three months to the animals. At the end of the experiment animals were sacrificed and testes removed. Sections for the electrone microscopy prepared and changes were observed. The present results showed evident microscopic changes in the testis of the animals received higher dose of the drug. Most of the seminiferous tubules were compressed, having irregular basement membrane and devoid of any spermatogenic cells. The present work revealed a clear morphological evidence of the dose dependent antifertility potential of the rosemary in the male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the antifertility effects of 50% ethanolic extract of the root bark of Cananga odorata with gossypol. Design: Controlled research laboratory study. Setting: University research laboratory. Animal(s): Male albino rats (Sprague Dawley, body weight 150 ± 5 g) bred in university animal house. Intervention(s): A 50% ethanolic extract of the root bark of Cananga odorata and gossypol was administered orally for 60 days. On day 61, one third of the animals in each group were killed for various analyses. One half of the remaining animals were used for the evaluation of fertility index, and other half was maintained for 15 days more on normal diet. Main Outcome Measure(s): The epididymal sperm motility, morphology, and count, the testicular activities of HMG CoA reductase, 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and testicular cholesterol and serum testosterone were assessed. Result(s): Differences were not observed in the sperm count and fertility index of the gossypol group in comparison with the C odorata group. But statistically significant alterations were noted in the sperm morphology as well as in the activity of HMG CoA reductase, 3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, cholesterol, and protein of the testis and in serum testosterone. On withdrawal of the drugs, sperms in C odorata group became completely motile but not in the gossypol group. The active component is a 52 kd protein. Conclusion(s): The ethanolic extract of Cananga odorata possesses antifertility effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The plant Juniperus phoenica (L.) (Cupressaceae) is widely growing on the rocky soils of the Mediterranean regions. In Jordan, the plant is distributed in different locations and is used as a folk medicine to treat rheumatism, edema, and urinary tract diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antifertility effect of J. phoenica in male albino rats. Animals were administered single daily intraperitoneal injections of 400 or 800 mg/kg of J. phoenica cones ethanol extract or the vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide) for 21 consecutive days. A marked dose-dependent decrease in the counts and motility of the sperms collected from the cauda epididymis of treated rats was observed compared with the control. Furthermore, pregnancy rate in females markedly reduced by 60% and 80% after mating with males treated with 400 or 800 mg/kg, respectively. At the same time, significant decreases were detected in seminal vesicles and testicular weight of rats that received 800 mg/kg as compared with control rats. Testosterone levels were decreased significantly in both treated groups as compared with control. Histologically, seminiferous tubules of treated rats showed marked arrests of spermatogenesis and a marked decrease in the number of mature sperms. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that the ethanolic extract of the cones of J. phoenica possesses potential antifertility effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crude 50% ethanol extract of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad was administered orally to male albino rats for evaluation of antifertility effects. The animals were divided into five groups: group A was a vehicle-treated control group; treatment groups B, C, and D received 100 mg/kg/day C. colocynthis extract for periods of 20,40, and 60 days, respectively, and group E animals received the extract at 100 g/kg/day for 60 days followed by 60 days of recovery. For androgenicity evaluation of the extract, the animals were divided into four groups: group F animals were castrated 30 days before the experiment to serve as controls, and group G, H, and I were subjected to castration 30 days before the experiments, followed by administration of fruit extract (100 mg/kg/day p.o.), testosterone propionate (0.01 mg/rat/ alternate day s.c.), and fruit extract along with testosterone propionate, respectively, for 30 days. Significantly reduced cauda epididymis sperm motility and density, number of pups, fertility, and circulatory levels of testosterone were observed in all treatment groups. The weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were significantly decreased in groups B, C, and D.The weights of all organs in the different groups of the androgenicity study were markedly decreased in group F when compared with group A, in group G when com-pared with group F, and in group I when compared with group H, and increased in group H when compared with group F. The serum testosterone levels also showed a similar pattern. The concentration of testicular cholesterol was significantly elevated, while protein, sialic acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were decreased. The histoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous pithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocyte stage, cytolysis, and the lumen filled with eosinophilic material. Histometric parameters except Sertoli cell nuclear area and number of ro... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is increasing rapidly across the globe. It is widely accepted that natural products with a long safety background may modulate obesity. The current work aimed to investigate the effect of Nigella sativa , atorvastatin, or L -Carnitine on high-fat diet-induced obesity in white male albino rats. A regular basal diet was fed to 7 rats, and a high-fat diet (HFD) was fed to 24 rats throughout the study for 12 weeks. The HFD group was split equally into four subgroups, each containing six rats. The first group fed on HFD with no medication, the second group received HFD+ Nigella sativa , the third group received HFD+ atorvastatin, and the fourth group received HFD+ L -carnitine. At the beginning of the seventh week (the start of the treatment regimen), Nigella sativa , atorvastatin, or L -Carnitine were administered for six weeks. Glucose, body weight, serum atherogenic index (AI), ALT, and AST activities were analyzed. The pathological alterations in the hepatic tissues were examined microscopically and scored. The results revealed that the HFD diet significantly increased the final body weight, serum AI, and serum levels of liver enzymes. Treatment with L -carnitine or Nigella sativa significantly normalized the lipid profile and decreased the final body weight, serum AI, and Serum ALT. Histopathological examination of the liver of HFD received rats showed features of steatosis, which were mitigated by the administration of Nigella sativa or L -Carnitine, while atorvastatin had no significant effect on the improvement of hepatic lesions. Collectively, study findings showed that Nigella sativa or L -Carnitine has mitigated effects on metabolic and histopathological changes in the liver tissues of rats fed with HFD. • Feeding rats on HFD significantly increased body weight than those rats of control group feeding on a normal diet. • HFD results in a pathological changes in the liver ranged from hydropic degeneration, steatosis, and mild hepatonecrosis. • Treatment with L -Carnitine or Nigella sativa significantly reduced the weight and ameliorated the histopathological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out to understand the antioxidant and protective effect of Semecarpus anacardium against lead acetate induced toxicity. This was done by analyzing the phytochemicals (Flavanoids, alkaloids, resins, tannins, carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) present in the plant and by assessing the hepatoprotective efficacy of the plant against lead acetate induced albino rats. Histopathological examination was also carried out to have a supporting evidence for the study. It was observed that the nut milk extract contains flavanoids, phenols and carbohydrates and the drug was effective against lead acetate induced toxicity. The levels of the marker enzymes were increased in the lead acetate induced rats and after the treatment of Semecarpus anacardium the liver damage decreased.