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Currently, the number of imaging and interventional procedures that use contrast agents (CAs) is gradually increasing. Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is the most important CA-related complication. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in its pathophysiology. Lycopene (LPN) is a natural substance with strong antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to investigate the potential preventive effects of LPN against CIN. In total, 28 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups with 7 rats in each group; the groups include normal control group, LPN only group at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day for 10 days, CIN group by administering 10 mg/kg furosemide IM + 10 mg/kg indomethacin IP + 10 ml/kg iomeprol IV following 24-h dehydration, and CIN + LPN group. There were statistically significant increase in urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001, for all) but a significant decrease in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels (p < 0.001, for all) in the CIN group compared with the control group. On histological examination, a significant increase of infiltrated inflammatory cells and necrotic degenerative changes were observed in the CIN group and the immunohistochemical examination revealed a significant increase in inflammation (inducible nitric oxide synthase), autophagy (LC3/B), and apoptosis (cleaved caspase 3) in the CIN group compared with the control group (p < 0.05, for all). Significant improvements in these unfavorable parameters were observed with CIN + LPN group compared with the CIN only group. In conclusion, the favorable effects of LPN as an anti-inflammatory, antiautophagic, and antiapoptotic agent in an experimental model of CIN have been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of breed, parity, sampling day, and sampling time on somatic cell count (SCC) and milk lipid and protein profiles in intra-mammary infection-free early lactating dairy cows (Holstein, n = 5 and Swiss Brown, n = 6; 34 ± 6 DIM). SCC was assessed by flow cytometry. Milk lipid (free fatty acid, triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, cholesterol, phospholipid) and protein IgG and A, albumin, caseins (α, β, κ), α-lactalbumin, and β-lactoglobulin were determined using HPTLC and SDS-PAGE methods. Data were analysed by 4-way ANOVA and subjected to hierarchical backward elimination of insignificant interaction terms. SCC varied by parity and sampling time. Apart from sampling time, other fixed factors altered milk lipids. There was only a breed x parity interaction effect on milk lipid profiles. All proposed factors affected milk proteins. Among proteins only the IgG fraction exhibited diurnal variation. There were significant breed x parity, breed x sampling day, and parity x sampling day interactions for milk proteins. In conclusion, factors relating to the cows themselves (breed and parity), sampling day, and sampling time cause variation in parameters that are pertinent to mammary gland health and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]