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The possible protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract on a high fat diet (HFD)-induced testicular injury in a rat model were investigated using histological and biochemical methods. Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: a standard diet control group; a HFD group; and an HFD+MC group. The HFD and HFD+MC groups were fed with a HFD for 16 weeks. MC extract (100 mg/kg) was given orally five days a week to the rats in the HFD+MC group during the last four weeks of the experiment. Leptin, triglyceride, high-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH were analyzed in blood serum. Sperm parameters were evaluated from the epididymis. Testicular morphology, proliferative, apoptotic and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2)-positive cells were evaluated histologically. Testicular oxidative stress parameters were analyzed biochemically. In the HFD group, lipid and hormone profiles were changed, abnormal spermatozoa, degenerated seminiferous tubules with apoptotic and NOX2-positive cells were increased in number, and sperm motility and germinal proliferative cells decreased compared to the control group. Moreover, testicular malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and myeloperoxidase levels increased, whereas glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels decreased in the HFD group compared to the control group. All these histological and biochemical features were ameliorated by MC treatment of HFD-fed rats. In conclusion, HFD caused alterations in sperm parameters and testicular morphology by increasing oxidative damage and apoptosis. MC extract may have potential protective effects by inhibiting oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Nephrolithiasis is a common urological disease that can lead to renal failure. Oxidative stress has been shown to be a contributing factor for nephrolithiasis and many agents have been studied to prevent and treat oxidative stress-related nephrolithiasis and renal damage. Myrtus communis (MC) extract has been shown to be an important antioxidant in different animal models. In this study, MC extract was administered preventively or therapeutically to rats with kidney stones, and its effectiveness was investigated. METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=8); control (C), ethylene glycol (EG), EG+preventive MC, and EG+curative MC groups. The nephrolithiasis model was created by adding 0.75% EG to drinking water for 8 weeks. Ultimately, 24-hour urine was collected to measure calcium, citrate, and creatinine levels. After decapitation, kidney tissues were harvested for histological analyses, measurement of osteopontin and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and caspase-3 activities. RESULTS: In 24-hour urine samples, calcium, citrate and creatinine levels were decreased in the EG group, while oxalate levels were increased and in treatment groups these parameters returned to control levels. MPO, 8-OHdG, caspase-3 and NAG activity were significantly increased in tissue and these changes were reversed in both MC groups. Histological findings also supported the biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: MC can reduce oxidative stress and histopathological changes in kidney tissues in rat nephrolithiasis model when used as either a preventive or therapeutic agent. If supported with further clinical trials, MC might have clinical implications in preventing oxidative renal cell injury and ultimately kidney stone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative damage plays an important role in organ toxicities caused by methotrexate (MTX). This study aimed to determine the antioxidant effects of Panax ginseng (PxG) extract against MTX-induced liver, lung, ileum and kidney damage. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley male rats (weight 250-300 g) were used in the study. The animals were randomly separated into three groups: a) Control, b) MTX-treated (MTX) and c) MTX+PxG-treated (MTX+PxG) groups. MTX was administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg, as a single dose to MTX and MTX+PxG groups. PxG was administered orally at 100 mg/kg to the MTX+PxG group for five days. Saline was given to the control and MTX groups for 5 days. At the end of the experiment, liver, lung, ileum, and kidney samples were obtained. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and tissue factor (TF) activities were determined in all tissues. In addition, histological examinations were done through light microscopy. GraphPad Prism 5v. was used for statistics, and p<0.05 were considered significant. Administration of MTX caused severe injury in tissues. Findings showed that MDA level, SOD, and GST activities were significantly normalized in the MTX+PxG group compared to the control group. A significant reduction in GSH level observed in the MTX group was reversed with PxG administration In addition, TF activity and total protein levels were found to be impaired in the MTX group, but TF activity was significantly improved in liver and lung tissues and total protein level was significantly reversed in lung and ileum in MTX+PxG group. The results of histological examinations showed that MTX-induced damage was ameliorated with the PxG administration. In conclusion, this study shows that Panax ginseng, thanks to its antioxidant properties, reversed MTX-induced tissue damage and therefore may be beneficial against side effects in patients undergoing chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent that causes testicular toxicity used in the cure of various types of cancer. The anti-oxidant and anti-cancer effects of Panax ginseng (PxG) have been reported in both experimental and clinical studies. This study aims to examine the healing effect of PxG on testicular damage induced by MTX. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley male rats (8-week-olds) were used in the study. A single dose ofMTXdissolved in saline (20 mg/kg) was given to MTX and MTX+PxG groups by intraperitoneal injection. PxG dissolved in saline (100 mg/kg) was given by orogastric gavage once a day for 5 days to the MTX+PxG group. Saline was given to the control and MTX groups orally during the experiments. After decapitation, the testis sampleswere obtained. Seminiferous tubules and basement membranewere evaluated histopathologically. Seminiferous tubule diameter and germinal epithelium thickness were measured. Furthermore, oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase were measured. Results: MTX treatment caused seminiferous tubule degeneration with a decrease in Johnsen's score, the seminiferous tubule's diameter, and the germinal epithelium's thickness. Parallel with the histopathological results increased testicular oxidative stress with an increase in malondialdehyde level and a decrease of endogenous anti-oxidant activity with a decrease in glutathione level and glutathione-S-transferase and superoxide dismutase activities. PxG treatment improved these histological and biochemical parameters in MTX-induced testis cytotoxicity. Conclusion: MTX treatment causes testicular damage via the oxidative processes. PxG treatment ameliorates MTX-induced testicular damage by inhibiting oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effects of Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract on high fat-diet (HFD) induced heart and aorta damage by evaluating oxidative stress and the endothelial nitric oxide system (eNOS). Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7) as control, HFD, and HFD+MC. Rats in HFD and HFD+MC groups were HFD fed for 16 weeks and in the last 4 weeks saline or MC (100 mg/kg) was administered orally (5 days/week). Triglyceride, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were estimated in blood serum. Tissue oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters were evaluated biochemically. Tissue morphologies, eNOS, inducible NOS (iNOS), and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2)-immunopositive and apoptotic cells were evaluated histologically. Results: Altered serum lipid profiles, degenerated heart, and aorta morphology, increased malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2- deoxyguanosine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and myeloperoxidase levels, and iNOS, NOX-2 immunopositive and apoptotic cells, decreased NO levels, eNOS-immunopositive cells in both tissues were observed in HFD group. All these parameters improved in the HFD+MC group. Conclusion: This study revealed that HFD-induced obesity increased iNOS activation and oxidative stress in the cardiac and aortic tissues of the rats. MC improved oxidant/antioxidant balance and prevented heart and aorta damage via eNOS involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present study, the duration of melatonin (Mel) administered to diabetic rats was prolonged so as to examine its effects on the biochemical liver parameters of diabetic rats. In the experiment, Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into five groups; the control, diabetic + Mel, diabetic, diabetic + insulin, and diabetic + Mel + insulin. Diabetes mellitus was induced by administration of a single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally and rats were given vehicle as a solvent for Mel every day for 12 weeks. In the diabetic + Mel group, diabetic rats were administered Mel (10 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks to treat diabetes. The diabetic + insulin group were diabetic rats given insulin (6 U/kg) subcutaneously for 12 weeks. The diabetic + Mel + insulin rats received insulin and Mel at the same dose and time. At the end of the experiment, the animals were decapitated and liver tissues were taken. The protective effect of Mel on liver tissue of diabetic rats was investigated, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress index, adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, paraoxonase 1, sodium/potassium ATPase, myeloperoxidase, γ‐glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, homocysteine, nitric oxide, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycoprotein levels were determined in liver tissues. Treatment with Mel and/or insulin has been found to have a protective effect on biochemical parameters. The results showed that administration of Mel to diabetic rats prevented the distortion of the studied biochemical parameters of liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of whey proteins on methotrexate (MTX)-induced brain and small intestine damage. Materials and Methods: 30 Sprague Dawley rats (200-300 g) were divided into four groups: Control, control + whey, MTX, and MTX+whey. MTX was administered at 20 mg/kg (single dose) intraperitoneally to the MTX group rats, and 2 mg/kg of whey protein were administered by oral gavage for 10 days to the whey groups. Lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as glutathione-Stransferase and superoxide dismutase activities were measured in the brain and small intestine. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the brain and intestine tissues were also carried out. Results: While MTX treatment caused oxidative damage in the brain and small intestine, whey protein administration ameliorated MTXinduced oxidative stress. MTX administration did not change the brain’s NO level, while an increase in intestinal NO level was detected. Conclusion: MTX induced oxidative stress in the brain and small intestine changed the protein metabolism in these tissues regardless of reduced food intake. Consecutive 10-day administration of whey proteins has shown its therapeutic effect on MTX-induced brain and small intestine oxidative damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is associated with many diseases, including urinary system disorders such as chronic kidney disease and overactive bladder syndrome. Myrtus communis L. (MC) extract has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of MC extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced kidney and bladder damage. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats were divided into three experimental groups: control, HFD and HFD+MC. Experimental groups were fed a standard diet (control group) or HFD (HFD and HFD+MC groups) for 16 weeks. MC extract (100 mg/kg) was administered to the HFD+MC group orally during the last 4 weeks (5 days/week) of the experiment. Highdensity lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglyceride and leptin levels were measured in blood serum. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were evaluated biochemically. Kidney and bladder morphology, NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX-2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-KB)-positive and apoptotic cells were evaluated histologically. Results: Lipid profiles altered and leptin levels increased in blood serum. MDA, 8-OHdG and MPO levels increased and GSH level decreased in kidney and bladder in the HFD group. Moreover, degenerated kidney and bladder morphology, increased NOX-2 and NF-κB-positive and apoptotic cells were observed in this group. All of these biochemical and histological parameters were ameliorated in the HFD+MC group. Conclusion: HFD-induced obesity causes kidney and bladder damage by oxidative and inflammatory processes. MC extract may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and play a protective role in obesity-related kidney and bladder damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim is to examine the possible protective effect of Cuscuta sp. extract against liver damage induced by biliary obstruction in rats. Materials and Methods: To induce biliary obstruction, the bile duct ligation (BDL) method was used. Sprague Dawley rats were allocated to 4 groups: Control (C), Cuscuta (CUS), bile duct ligation (BDL), and bile duct ligation + Cuscuta (BDL+CUS). Control and BDL rats were given physiological saline (SF), while CUS and BDL+CUS groups were administered 250 mg/kg of Cuscuta extract by oral gavage. At the end of 28th day, the rats were decapitated, serum and tissue samples were collected, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and direct and total bilirubin (DB and TB) levels were determined in blood samples. In liver tissues, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHdG), hydroxyproline, and sodium-potassium ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase) levels were determined. Results: Serum samples of rats with cholestasis had high ALT, AST, DB, and TB levels, while TGF-ß, 8-OHdG, and hydroxyproline concentrations were found to be significantly high in tissues. Hepatic Na+/K+-ATPase levels were decreased through biliary obstruction. Biochemical parameters were drastically reversed by Cuscuta care; also, this was supported histologically. Conclusion: Results showed that Cuscuta extract, through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, provided protection against oxidative injury by biliary obstruction. Also, these results confirm the traditional use of Cuscuta sp. as hepatoprotective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Goksel Sener (1), Ozlem Sacan (2), Refiye Yanardag (2), Gul Ayanoglu-Dulger (1) Keywords: glutathione; lipid peroxidation; parsley; streptozotocin Abstract: Parsley is one of the medicinal herbs used by diabetics in Turkey. It has been reported to reduce blood glucose levels. In this study the effects of feeding parsley on diabetes-induced free radical mediated injury in rat aorta and heart tissues were investigated. Swiss albino rats were divided into six groups: Control, diabetic, parsley, diabetic + parsley, glibornurid, and diabetic + glibornurid. Rats were subjected to i.p. streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. On the fourteenth day of the study, either parsley (2 g/kg) or glibornurid (5 mg/kg) were given for 28 days to the diabetic rats. Aorta and heart tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels as well as blood glucose levels were determined. The results of the present study indicate that lipid peroxidation was increased and glutathione levels were decreased in both aorta and heart tissue of the diabetic rats. However, treatment of the diabetic rats with either parsley or glibornurid reversed the effects of diabetes on blood glucose, and tissue lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, 81010, Adegstanbul-Turkey (2) Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Adegstanbul University, 34850, AvcA+-, Adegstanbul-Turkey Article History: Registration Date: 23/12/2004

Copyright of Farmacia is the property of Societatea de Stiinte Farmaceutice Romania and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug commonly used for the treatment of malign neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of bitter melon (BM) were reported. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of BM fruit extract on MTX-induced testicular and epididymal damage. Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley male rats were divided into three groups (n=8) as control, MTX and MTX+BM. A single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally to the MTX and MTX+BM groups. BM fruit extract (600 mg/kg) was applied to the MTX+BM group orally for 5 days. Testes were examined for general histopathology, proliferating and apoptotic cells. The epididymis samples were used for the evaluation of sperm morphology. Oxidative and inflammatory markers were analysed biochemically. Results: Increased abnormal spermatozoa, degenerated seminiferous tubules with increased apoptotic cells and decreased proliferative cells were observed in the MTX group. TNF-α, IL-1β, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and caspase-3 levels increased, superoxide dismutase and catalase levels decreased in both testis and epididymis samples. All these histological and biochemical parameters were ameliorated in the MTX+BM group. Conclusion: Methotrexate causes testis damage by decreasing spermatogenic cells and increasing apoptosis through oxidative stress and inflammation. BM extract improves testis and epididymis damage with its possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Biochemistry / Turk Biyokimya Dergisi is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)