Search

Background: Phytoestrogens are non-estradiol molecules categorized as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can alter the hormonal equilibrium and cause reproductive problems. Studies suggested Hibiscus sabdariffa (H. sabdariffa) possible use as alternative to hormone replacement therapy in ovarian hypofunction patients. Salvia officinalis (S. officinalis) contains phytoestrogen steroids and isoflavonoids. The purpose of this research was to examine the estrogenic effects of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis aqueous extracts on male reproductive hormones and testicular histology and function. Methods: Three groups of six male rats each were utilized as follows: control (distilled water), H. sabdariffa (500 mg/kg aqueous extract), and S. officinalis (500 mg/kg aqueous extract). Blood, epididymis. Testis and serum samples were gathered after 30 days for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics, and histological evaluations. Results: Compared to the control and S. officinalis groups, H. sabdariffa caused a significant reduction in body weight (BW) and percent BW gain (%BWG). Relative to the control rats, the two extracts dramatically reduced testicular weight, sperm motility, concentration, and viability while raising abnormalities. Furthermore, the herbal extract groups demonstrated a significant decrease in blood testosterone levels while increasing serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Consumption of both herbs also caused testicular histological changes such as degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the presence of exfoliated cells in the tubular lumen. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa and S. officinalis may negatively impact male fertility. However, more research is needed to validate these findings and investigate the mechanistic components of these impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phytoestrogens are estrogen analogues of plant origin, allowing them to act as agonists at estrogen receptors. Objectives: This study was done to discover the effects of flaxseed and turmeric oils on male rats' fertility. Methodology: Eighteen male albino rats are divided into three groups (6 rats each). Group 1 (Control group) rats received distilled water 1 mL/kg orally); group 2 (Flaxseed oil group) rats received 1 mL/kg flaxseed oil orally;group 3 (Turmeric oil) rats received 1 mL/kg turmeric oil orally. After 30 days, blood samples, epididymis, and testis were collected for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics and histological examinations. Results: Flaxseed oil induced a significant decline (p<0.05) in % of body weight change relative to the control group. Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant declines (p<0.05) in gonadosomatic index and sperm motility, concentration, and viability, with a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Besides, Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant decreases (p<0.05) in the serum testosterone levels with significant increases (p<0.05) in serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption significantly decreased (p<0.05) plasma CAT and SOD while they significantly increased (p<0.05) plasma MDA relative to the control group. The testis of rats ingested flaxseed and turmeric oils showed degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and intact basement membrane. Conclusion: Feeding flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption to adult male rats induced hormonal disturbances with non-uniformities in sperm characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are the primary inducers of Methotrexate (MTX)-induced mucositis. This research aimed to determine whether apocynin (APO) could protect against MTX-induced mucositis. The antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions of APO in this model will be evaluated. The experiment was performed on 32 rats. A single dose (20 mg/kg) of MTX was injected i.p. to induce intestinal mucositis. APO was given orally once per day at a dose of 100mg/kg (five days prior to and five days following an MTX injection). APO safeguarded the histological structure of the duodenal mucosa, as observed by the conserved histology of goblet cells (villi and crypts). APO mitigated oxidative stress by reducing intestin MDA and raising GSH, SOD and GST, also suppressing NF-κB mRNA expression. Intestinal content of proinflammatory cytokines was reduced in APO-treated MTX rats, with downregulation of proinflammatory iNOS and upregulation of anti-inflammatory PPAR-γ proteins. The intestinal mucosa of rats treated with APO and MTX displayed weekly positive immune staining for cleaved caspase-3. APO upregulate the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 mRNA and down regulate the proapoptotic Bax and Puma mRNA in the duodenal mucosa. The results indicate the possibility of using APO as a novel therapeutic agent to prevent MTX-induced mucositis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine Costus afer leaf extract (CALE) protective effects against naproxen-induced gastric ulcer and the mechanisms of protection. Methods: Rats with naproxen-induced ulcer were pretreated with either CALE (800 mg/kg), pantoprazole (20 mg/kg), or a combination of both. Then the ulcer index, total gastric acidity, gastric pH, and curative index were evaluated. In addition, gastric mucin, pepsin, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxide, and superoxide dismutase were quantified. The gastric pathological change was also evaluated. Results: Rats treated with CALE, pantoprazole, and their combination significantly decreased ulcer index, total gastric acidity, and gastric pH. All treatments induced a significant curative index in favor of the combination. The CALE significantly increased gastric mucin, prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. However, the CALE significantly decreased pepsin and lipid peroxide product. Conclusion: These results reveal that CALE protects the stomach against naproxen-induced ulcer. This action is linked to increased gastroprotective factors, increased antioxidants, and decreased lipid peroxidation. The CALE may be used as an adjunctive treatment for ulcers caused by NSAIDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a very complex disorder, that directly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. Bitter melon (BM) has possessed powerful antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to assess the effect of freeze-dried BM juice against fructose-induced MetS in male rats. Metabolic syndrome was induced in rats by feeding high fructose (HF) diet (60%). After 8 weeks, BM was administered daily by oral gavage at doses (5, 10 or 15mg/kg body weight (BW)) for 6 weeks. The efficacy of freezedried BM juice on biological and biochemical parameters, as well as histopathological changes of liver and pancreas tissues in MetS rats was examined. The results showed that feeding HF diet-induced significantly increased in BW, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, leptin hormone, uric acid, and hyperlipidemia, as well as significantly increased inmalondialdehyde level compared with control rats. In addition, rats fed HF diet showed many histopathological changes in liver and pancreatic tissues. Treatment with BM significantly ameliorated all the tested biochemical parameters and overcome the histopathological alterations in liver and pancreas tissues comparing with Mets untreated rats, especially the MetS treated group with medium dose (10 mg/kg BW). Since MetS is closely associated with systemic disorders, and there is no specific drug for all these dysfunctions, therefore BM could be more effective in ameliorated MetS disorders; this may be explained by its antioxidant action. Further studies are needed to examine this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Morin, a bioflavonoid with antioxidant properties, is a constituent of many herbs and fruits that are used as herbal medicines. It exhibits many biological activities and possibly even has protective effects against chronic diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the protective effect of morin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in young male rats. Material and Methods: Young male rats (n=24) were divided into four groups as follow; (1): control group, (2): gentamicin (GM) group; rats injected intraperitioneally (i.p.) with GM at a dose of 100 mg /kg body weight (b.w.) for five consecutive days to induced nephrotoxicity, (3): morin group; rats administered morin daily at a dose of 30 mg/ kg b. w. via gavage, and (4) GM group pretreated with morin; rats were orally received morin at the same dose and route in group (3) up to two weeks followed by injected i.p. with GM as in group (2). Separated serum samples were used for determination of protein metabolism parameters, kidney functions, malondialdehyde (MDA), and ionic sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Results: GM injection induced marked nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant elevation in serum levels of albumin, creatinine, urea, uric acid, MDA and K+, with significant reduction in serum levels of total protein, Na+ and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). Pretreatment with morin protected the rats from GMinduced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by significant improvement of these investigated parameters. Histological examination of renal tissues showed marked glomerular thickening, vacuolations of the wall of blood vessels associated with necrobiotic changes in GM injected group, meanwhile there were amelioration in rats group received morin pre-GM injection. Conclusion: Morin exert potential antioxidant activity and offer nephroprotective effect against GMinduced nephrotoxicity in young rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bachground: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of various liver diseases. Ginkgo biloba leaves extract (GbE) have been proved to be an effective antioxidant, thereby can contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of GbE on acute liver injury induced using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. Material and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in male rats by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of CCl4 1mL/ kg body weight (b.w.) for every 72 h for 14 days, GbE was administered orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg b.w., daily started two weeks prior to CCl4 injection and continued until the end of the experiment. Results: CCl4 caused acute liver damage in rats, as evidenced by significant increase serum enzymes activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (ALT & AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as significant decrease in weight gain percent, serum total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH). Pretreatment with GbE prior to CCl4 injection elicited hepatoprotetcive activity by significant decreased the activities of liver enzymes and hepatic MDA, and significant increased the levels of TP, and hepatic GSH, as well as induced significant ameliorated in weight gain percent and lipid profile parameters as compared with CCl4 group. Histopathological examination of the liver tissues of CCl4 group represented the presence of hepatic necrosis associated with cells infiltration and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, while the pretreatment with GbE overcome these changes, the majority of the cells tend to be normal. Conclusion: The present findings indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of GbE against CCl4-induced oxidative damage may be due to its potent antioxidant activity. Therefore, GbE could be of potential help as a medicament or food supplement for alleviation of liver toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the earlier published article, the University name in the affiliation of the first author was inadvertently abbreviated by the authors as “KAU” instead of the full name of the University which is “King Abdulaziz University”. At the request of the author, the correct affiliation is provided above. New citation: Khattab HAH, Aljehany BM. Costus afer (Costaceae, Zingiberales) leaf extract ameliorates naproxen-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Trop J Pharm Res, 2020;19(12), 2615-2622. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v19i12.20. Erratum: 2021; 20(5): 1100 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v 20i5.31 Earlier citation: Khattab HAH, Aljehany BM. Costus afer (Costaceae, Zingiberales) leaf extract ameliorates naproxen-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Trop J Pharm Res, 2020;19(12), 2615-2622. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v19i12.20 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The immune system is the body's defense against foreign organisms and harmful chemicals. Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant drug widely used. Echinacea purpurea root (EPR) extract is used as an immunostimulant plant., Aim of the Work: The present study aimed at evaluation of the EPR effects against the CsA immunosuppressive rat model., Material and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into control, CsA (immunosuppressive models), CsA + EPR (100 mg/kg/day orally), and CsA + EPR (200 mg/kg/day orally). The biological parameters regarding the food consumption were assessed including feed intake (FI), feed efficiency ratio (FER), and body weights (BW). In addition, the splenic specimens were assessed histopathology. The blood was collected for measuring the blood parameters. All the measured parameters were collected and statistically analyzed. The biological results indicated a significant decrease in BW, FI, and FER in rats treated orally with low and high EPR doses as compared to the control group., Results: The results displayed that the CsA induced a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) count. Histopathologically, CsA induced a marked decrease in the cellularity of the white pulp with congested blood sinusoids of the red pulp together with significant depletion of periarteriolar lymphoid sheath. Both the high and low doses of EPR significantly reversed the altered RBCs and WBCs counts. Histopathologically, both the low and high doses of EPR displayed apparently increase in the periarteriolar area together with the persistence of the congestion of the red pulp blood sinusoids compared to CsA group, indicating partial amelioration of the structural changes., Conclusion: In a nutshell, the current findings revealed that EPR extract ameliorated the hematological changes. However, there was a partial correction of the CsA-induced microscopic changes of the rat spleen., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Borage ( Borago officinal L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of great interest because its oil contains a high percentage of γ-linolenic acid (GLA). The present work was carried out to detect fatty acids composition of the oil extracted from borage seeds (BO) and its potential effectiveness against γ-irradiation- induced hepatotoxicity in male rats., Materials and Methods: GC-MS analysis of fatty acids methyl esters of BO was performed to identify fatty acids composition. Sixty rats were divided into five groups (12 rats each): Control, irradiated; rats were exposed to (6.5 Gy) of whole body γ-radiation, BO (50 mg/kg b.wt), irradiated BO post-treated and irradiated BO prepost-treated. Six rats from each group were sacrificed at two time intervals 7 and 15 days post-irradiation. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels, lipids profile, as well as serum and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde) (MDA) levels were assessed. Histopathological examination of liver sections were also carried out., Results: The results showed that the high contents of BO extracted by cold pressing, were linoleic acid (34.23%) and GLA (24.79%). Also, oral administration of BO significantly improved serum levels of liver enzymes, lipids profile, as well as serum and hepatic GSH and MDA levels (p<0.001) as compared with irradiated rats after 15 days post irradiation. Moreover, it exerted marked amelioration against irradiation-induced histopathological changes in liver tissues. The improvement was more pronounced in irradiated BO prepost-treated group than irradiated BO post-treated., Conclusion: BO has a beneficial role in reducing hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by radiation exposure. Therefore, BO may be used as a beneficial supplement for patients during radiotherapy treatment.