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Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is an established human lung carcinogen, but the carcinogenesis mechanism is poorly understood. Chromosome instability, a hallmark of lung cancer, is considered a major driver of Cr(VI)-induced lung cancer. Unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks are the underlying cause, and homologous recombination repair is the primary mechanism preventing Cr(VI)-induced DNA breaks from causing chromosome instability. Cell culture studies show acute Cr(VI) exposure causes DNA double-strand breaks and increases homologous recombination repair activity. However, the ability of Cr(VI)-induced DNA breaks and repair impact has only been reported in cell culture studies. Therefore, we investigated whether acute Cr(VI) exposure could induce breaks and homologous recombination repair in rat lungs. Male and female Wistar rats were acutely exposed to either zinc chromate particles in a saline solution or saline alone by oropharyngeal aspiration. This exposure route resulted in increased Cr levels in each lobe of the lung. We found Cr(VI) induced DNA double-strand breaks in a concentration-dependent manner, with females being more susceptible than males, and induced homologous recombination repair at similar levels in both sexes. Thus, these data show this driving mechanism discovered in cell culture indeed translates to lung tissue in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Given the noteworthy implications of alcohol consumption and its association with male infertility, there has been a notable focus on investigating natural alternatives to mitigate its adverse effects. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the potential protective effect of phycocyanin extract derived from the blue algae Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis against ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances in testicular morphology, and alterations in sperm production. Methods: Male rats were divided into four groups (five rats each): the control group received a saline solution, the ethanol exposed group (EtOH) was subjected to intraperitoneal injections of 10 mL/kg of ethanol solution at a concentration of 38% (v/v), the phycocyanin alone treated group (P) received oral administration of phycocyanin at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, and the phycocyanin-cotreated group (PE) was given oral phycocyanin followed by ethanol injections. All treatments were administered over a period of 14 days. Results: Our findings demonstrated that ethanol exposure induced reproductive toxicity, characterized by reduced sperm production and viability, alterations in testicular weight and morphology, increased lipid peroxidation levels, and elevated oxidative enzyme activity. In addition, the ethanol-intoxicated group showed perturbations in serum biochemical parameters. However, the simultaneous exposure to ethanol and phycocyanin exhibited a counteractive effect against ethanol toxicity. Conclusion: The results showed that supplementation of phycocyanin prevented oxidative and testicular morphological damage-induced by ethanol and maintained normal sperm production, and viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compelling evidence indicates that nitric oxide (NO) exerts a significant influence on the central nervous system, participates in the modulation of neurotransmitter release, contributes to the regulation of cognitive functions, and plays a crucial role in modulating various aspects of neural activity. We aimed to explore the influence of two NO donors, molsidomine (MSD) and V-pyrro/NO, on the innate spontaneous psychomotor abilities and short-term memory in rats. Using an actimeter test, the locomotor activity, stress-sensitive behavior, and anxiety level were investigated. The influence on the animal's cognitive functions was evaluated usingthe Y-maze test to assess the spontaneous alternation percentage, number of arms visited, number of alternations, and the preference index. Four distinct groups of five white male Wistar rats were exposed to the intraperitoneal treatments as follows: Control batch—0.3 mL/100 g of body weight saline solution, Mg batch—200 mg/kbwof magnesium chloride, MSD batch—1 mg/kbw of molsidomine, and V-pyrro/NO batch—5 mg/kbwof V-pyrro/NO. The intraperitoneal administration of MSD resulted in a significant reduction in spontaneous behavior and exploratory skills but was less pronounced than the positive control drug, magnesium chloride. Conversely, treatment with V-pyrro/NO led to only a slight decrease in horizontal movements during the actimeter test. MSD administration, but not V-pyrro/NO, notably increased the rate of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test. Additionally, the use of MSD resulted in an increase in the blood level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the intensification of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity. In our experimental setup, we demonstrated that MSD exposure led to a decrease in spontaneous behavior, showed anxiolytic effects and antioxidant activity, and improved spatial memory acquisition in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) in managing avulsed teeth. This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (i.e., "PRISMA") statement 2020 and was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (i.e., PROSPERO) with number CRD42022362198. The participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (i.e., PICOS) for the present study considered the following question: "Does the use of laser PBM in the treatment of teeth with avulsion influence tissue repair performance?" A literature search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest databases until January 2023. The SYRCLE's RoB tool (Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) for animal studies were used for quality assessment. A total of 7 in vivo studies published between 2011 and 2018 were included in this systematic review for qualitative analysis. All studies used Wistar rats, totaling 368 specimens that simulated tooth avulsion trauma. The effect of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of avulsed teeth was positive in 5 studies (significant increase in tissue repair) and negative in 2 studies, in which both studies with negative results kept teeth in saline solution before reimplantation and showed the longest time and power of laser application. PBM appears to be effective for tissue repair in the treatment of avulsed teeth, depending on the means of conservation of the avulsed tooth and the laser application protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During COVID-19 and reported prevalence of self-medication practices dup to 88.35 % of the overall population which included mainly acetaminophen, antibiotics, chloroquine and ivermectin. Pointless prophylaxis, prevention and treatment protocols for COVID-19 pushed people to adopt self-medication and more concerning, self-dosing without prescription. The present study was designed to detect the therapeutic effect of COVID-19 treatment protocols (ivermectin) followed by the administration of lactoferrin on biochemical as well as haematological parameters in experimental Albino rats. Material and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were carried out in the present study; rats were randomly assigned to different control and treatment groups. The experimental groups in common were divided into three groups (Each group have10 rats) as the following: Group I: Rats received saline solution orally); Group II: Rats Ivermectin intraperitoneal (ip) at (15 mg/kg B.W) at a single dose weekly for 6 weeks; Group III: Rats administrated to Ivermectin intraperitoneal (ip) at (15 mg/kg B.W) followed by treatment of Lactoferrin per orally for 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected under diethyl ether anaesthesia for further determination of hematological and biochemical parameters. Results: Following the present results, the administration of therapeutic ivermectin produced alterations in some biochemical parameters which correlated with hematological parameters in the positive untreated group as compared to the normal control group. In contrast, a group of rats administrated lactoferrin caused a reduction in urea, and creatinine levels in the positive treated group in comparison to the positive untreated group. Consequently, it could be concluded that it is not preferable to use ivermectin, particularly without any recommendation or evidence of parasitic exposure while lactoferrin need to be used for prophylaxes prior to oral intake in need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate a potential preventive effect of phycocyanin extract from Spirulina platensis against ethanol- induced hepatorenal toxicity and cognitive behavior impairment in male Wistar rats. The animals were randomly and equally divided into four groups (six animals each): control group received saline solution, ethanol (EtOH) group was injected intraperitoneally with 1 ml/kg of ethanol solution 38% (w/v), phycocyanin groups were treated with 25 (PC1) or 50 (PC2) mg/kg phycocyanin extract followed by ethanol administration. All treatments were conducted for 14 successive days. Results revealed that ethanol induced oxidative stress in brain, liver, and kidney by increasing lipid peroxidation level and SOD and CAT activities. Serum biochemical perturbations were also observed in EtOH group, which was indicated by a significant elevation in ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea levels. Combined exposure to EtOH with phytocyanin contracted these biochemical alterations. Phycocyanin decreased also EtOH-induced anxiety and ameliorated exploratory behavior assessed by the elevated-plus maze and open field tests respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Microorganisms and their by-products are responsible for establishing pulpal and periapical diseases. Healing is compromised in patients under bisphosphonate therapy, and the presence of periapical infections can potentially lead to the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). This work aimed to evaluate if bisphosphonate therapy is a risk factor for MRONJ development in the presence of periapical lesions. Methods: Two groups of 10 female Wistar rats were used. The experimental group received zoledronate (0.1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, and the control received a saline solution, three times a week for three weeks. One week after the last injection, apical periodontitis was induced through pulpal exposure in the mandibular first molars. Twenty-one days later, the animals were intravenously injected with 99mTc-HMDP, and the radioactivity uptake by mandibular specimens was counted. In addition, sample radiographs and a histological examination were performed. Results: The bone loss was higher in the control group when compared to the experimental group (p = 0.027). 99mTc-HMDP uptake in the control was reduced compared with the experimental group, although without statistical significance. Conclusions: In the presence of zoledronate therapy, apical periodontitis does not increase the risk of MRONJ development, and periapical lesions have lower bone resorption when compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in children. As a result, it is prescribed as the first line of defence against cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of Amoxicillin on the formation of dentin and enamel during the secretory and early phases of mineralization. Regarding the materials and methods used to perform this study, 16 pregnant adult Wistar rats were equally divided into two groups. The first group did not receive the drug and was prescribed a saline solution (control group), and the other group received 250 mg/kg/day of Amoxicillin (experimental group). From the 13th gestational day until delivery, the treatment was given every day by oral gavage. After birth, the newborns also received the same treatment as their mothers from the first day until 7 or 12 days after birth. The newborns were sacrificed at 7 and 12 days postnatally, the jaws were dissected, the maxilla was taken, the samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and the upper first molars were analyzed histologically by H & E stain and histomorphometrically by image J to examine the enamel, dentin, ameloblast and odontoblast mean thickness in both groups and each healing periods. The study's results showed that the mean enamel, as well as ameloblastic and odontoblastic layer thickness, were significantly different in the Amoxicillin 250 mg/kg group, compared to the control group. The result also revealed a non-significant group difference in the dentin thickness in both durations (P-value at day 7=0.147 and the P-value at day 12=0.054). Vacuolization of the ameloblastic and odontoblastic layers was observed in the Amoxicillin-treated group in both durations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this investigation was to find out whether L-carnitine-loaded nanoparticle (LCn) could reduce the reproductive toxicity of cypermethrin (CYP), the widely used insecticide in veterinary medicine in male rats. Twenty male Wistar rats that weighed between 210 and 240 g were split into four groups and treated daily for 2 months. The control group was given 0.9% normal saline solution daily. The second group received CYP (3.83 mg/kg b. w. p. o.) daily. The third group was administered with LCn and CYP (50 mg/kg b. wt. p. o. and 3.83 mg/kg b. wt. p. o., respectively) daily, whereas the fourth group received LCn alone (50 mg/kg b. wt. p. o.) daily. On day 60, all rats were sacrificed and samples were collected. CYP-treated animals exhibited inhibition of testicular anti-oxidative stress mechanisms, testicular steroidogenesis enzyme activity (3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [3ß-HSD] and 17ß-HSD), and downregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) gene expression. In addition, it decreased testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and LH levels and had detrimental consequences for sperm quality. LCn attenuated CYP-induced reproductive toxicity via the alleviation of testicular oxidative stress status, improvement of steroidogenic enzyme activity, and upregulation of StAR gene expression, which are probably responsible for the concomitant improvement in testicular hormonal levels and improvement in sperm properties. Intriguingly, LCn treatment alone could enhance the functions of the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptic ulcer is an acid-induced lesion that is usually found in the stomach and duodenum. It is usually a case of imbalance between the acid (and other injurious factors) and the mucosal defense mechanisms. Indomethacin is one of the most ulcerogenic drugs that is prescribed over-the-counter for the management of musculoskeletal problems. Capparis spinosa is one of the most important species in the Capparidaceae family, which has a wide range of diversity. Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a common member of the genus Capparis (Capparidaceae family). The present study was designed to compare the effect of C. spinosa extract as a gastroprotective agent with indomethacin as an induction agent and ranitidine as a standard drug. To this aim, 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=10 each), including Control +: indomethacin-treated group, Control -: receiving physiological saline solution, C.S: C. spinosa-treated group; and ranitidine-treated group (50 mg/kg) as a standard agent for the treatment of the gastric ulcer. After the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed by anesthesia overdose and their stomachs were removed. The gastroprotective effect of C. spinosa was investigated by studying prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), Gastrin, anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), and Interleukin 1 beta (IL1-ß), along with histopathological examination. The results showed a significant increase in PGE2 levels in the ranitidine-treated group with a significant reduction in Gastrin, TNF-a, and IL1-ß. The recorded data obtained from the histopathological study showed a significant improvement in the treated group with the extract of C. spinosa. The study concluded that C. spinosa had gastroprotective properties possibly through enhancing PGE2 which was acting as anti-inflammatory inhibiting neutrophil infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: The root bark of Parquetina nigrescens is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of hypertension and edema for its diuretic properties. This study was conducted to examine the effects of this medicinal plant on the excreted urinary volume and contribute to scientific knowledge on its diuretic action. Methods: Water-overloaded rats were treated separately with increasing doses (5-70 mg/kg) of Parquetina nigrescens root bark aqueous and ethanolic 70 % extracts of and furosemide (FURO) at 5 mg/kg. Excreted urine was collected and measured. Results: Plant extracts caused increased urine excretion in rats. PNea 15 mg/kg and PNee 25 mg/kg were the most active doses. They caused an increase of volume of urine comparable to that induced by FURO 5 mg/kg. A very significant elimination of water overload at p < 0.001 was observed. And the recorded values were 42.73 ± 0.26% (PNea 15 mg/kg), 45.39 ± 0.190% (PNee 25 mg/kg) and 73.6 ± 0.24% (FURO 5 mg/kg) against 29.73 ± 0.24% (Saline solution NaCl 0.9%). Conclusion and perspectives: Increase of urine volume excreted induced by the extracts partly confirms the diuretic virtue of Parquetina nigrescens justifying its empirical use to treat hypertension and edema. However, these results, on their own, do not make it possible to elucidate the mechanism underlying diuretic activity of this plant. Additional studies should be carried out for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Laurus Nobilis (Bay leaves) alcoholic extract on glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea levels; moreover, it was attempted to examine the histological changes induced in the liver and kidney among female albino rats treated with Depakene (Sodium Valproate). The L. nobilis leaves were dried in the shade, and they were then ground in mechanical processing. The resulting substance (250 gm) was processed in 70% ethanol for 24 h using a Soxhlet extractor at 45°C. Before being measured, the extract was concentrated in vacuo and stored in a vacuum desiccator until the elimination of all the solvents. In total, 20 female adult Wistar rats (230-250 g) were bred in the Animal House Lab at the University of Kufa, Faculty of Education for Girls, Kufa, Iraq. These animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=5), housed in a typical laboratory setting, and given a standard diet and water. Each animal received the treatments intraperitoneally for 30 days. The experimental groups were designed as follows: group 1 (the control) was given only physiological saline solution; group 2 received alcoholic extract of L. nobilis leaves at a dose of 150 mg/kg BW; group 3 received Depakene (Sodium Valproate) at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW; and group 4 received alcoholic extract+Depakene at a dose of 150 mg/kg BW and 500 mg/kg BW. The animals were euthanized following anaesthesia 24 h after the last day of the experiment. Heart blood samples were gathered in gel tubes, the serum was then centrifuged for 15 min at 3000 rpm to measure the biochemical parameter levels, which included glucose, HbA1C, ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea. The liver and kidney organs were removed and placed in a 10% formaldehyde solution instantly. Following fixation, they were processed as usual before being embedded in paraffin for histological analysis. Morphological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining techniques. The recorded data showed a major drop (P<0.05) in blood glucose and HbA1c levels in group 2 which was given ethanol extract, compared to the other groups. Interestingly, the level of blood glucose and HbA1c levels reduced significantly in group 4, which was given L. nobilis+Depakene, compared to the control and the animals treated with only Depakene. Moreover, the results showed a major rise (P<0.05) in the liver enzyme among the animals treated with Depakene, compared to other groups. On the other hand, the recorded data showed a substantial drop (P<0.05) in creatinine levels in the animals treated with L. nobilis leaves extract (group 2) and group 4, compared to group 3 and the control group, respectively. However, no changes were recorded in the case of urea levels among the groups. Finally, the findings of this study showed that the ethanol extract of L. nobilis leaves was effectively reduced the adverse effects of Depakene. On the other hand, it had a significant effect on the reduction of blood glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: 6‐Shogaol, bioactive compound of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. The objective of the present study was to verify the effect of 6‐shogaol on behavioral parameters in a preclinical model based on a maternal immune activation (MIA) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methodology: Twelve pregnant Wistar rats received 100‐μg/kg LPS or saline solution on gestational day (GD) 9.5. Male offspring participated in the study and in the postnatal day (PND) 30 and 55 were supplemented with 6‐shogaol or saline solution, by gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, orally for 5 days. In the PND 35 and 60 was performed the behavioral tests: grooming, crossing, and rearing that evaluated repetitive movements, anxiety, and interest in the new, respectively, and the inhibitory avoidance test that evaluated short‐term (STM) and long‐term memory (LTM). Result: Prenatal exposure to LPS increased the grooming and crossing episodes at different ages and reduced rearing episodes in PND 37. Treatment with 6‐shogaol reversed these parameters. In the inhibitory avoidance test, an improvement of memory was identified with 6‐shogaol in the STM and LTM at both ages comparing training and test session of treated groups and between groups. Conclusion: Administration of 6‐shogaol reverses the stereotypy, exploratory behavior, and memory impairment in prenatal LPS‐exposed offspring, acting as a promising therapeutic component against brain disorders associated with the process of MIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica is the property of Acta Veterinaria Brasilica 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.)

Introduction: In some cases, the tongue and oesophagus tissues are damaged by the corrosive burn. Surgical interventions may cause scar formation, and severe burns treatment methods are limited. This study aims to investigate bromelain, a phytotherapeutic product, on the corrosive burn as a non-surgical option and as an adjunctive therapy, insofar as the treatment of corrosive wounds is not limited only to the treatment of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.Methods: On the tongues of Wistar albino rats, chemically produced oral ulcers were created by topical application of NaOH (40%) solution, and in the distal oesophagus same mixture was applied to produce a corrosive oesophageal burn. For a week, they were treated orally by bromelain (100 mg/kg/day) or saline solution. At the end of seven days, animals were decapitated to remove the tongue and oesophagus, and blood samples were collected to obtain serum. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations were measured in serum, and luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence (CL) were measured in tissue samples.Results: MDA and CL values were significantly increased, and GSH levels in tissue significantly decreased due to the corrosive burns. Saline treated corrosive burn group measured higher in the serum cytokines in according to the control group.Conclusions: Bromelain administration decreased oxidant and inflammatory parameters and increased antioxidant levels in NaOH-induced corrosive burns. Thus, we concluded that bromelain may protect the tongue and oesophagus tissues with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a threatening, multiaetiological syndrome encompassing a variety of forms and damage patterns. AKI lacks sufficiently specific diagnostic tools to evaluate the distinct combination of pathophysiological events underlying each case, which limits personalized and optimized handling. Therefore, a pathophysiological diagnosis based on new urinary biomarkers is sought for practical (readiness and noninvasiveness) and conceptual reasons, as the urine is a direct product of the kidneys. However, biomarkers found in the urine may also have extrarenal origin, thus conveying pathophysiological information from other organs or tissues. Urinary plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been associated to AKI, although its origin and traffic to the urine are not known. Methods: Herein, we studied the blood or renal origin of urinary PAI-1 (uPAI-1) in experimental AKI in Wistar rats, by means of the in situ renal perfusion method. For this purpose, urine was collected while the kidneys of rats with AKI showing increased uPAI-1 excretion, and controls, were in situ perfused with a saline solution. Results: Our results show that during perfusion, PAI-1 remained in the urine of AKI rats, suggesting that renal cells shed this protein directly to the urine. PAI-1 is also significantly increased in the urine of AKI patients. Its low correlation with other urinary markers such as NGAL or NAG suggests that PAI-1 provides complementary and distinct phenotypical information. Conclusion: In conclusion, uPAI-1 is a biomarker produced by damaged kidneys following AKI, whose precise pathophysiological meaning in AKI needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol compared to butorphanol administered locally in ventral surface of the hind paw of rats. Prospective, randomized experimental study; twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were selected. Heart rate (beats minute-1), respiratory rate (breaths minute-1), and paw withdrawal latency (onset of radiant heat until paw withdrawal/seconds) were measured prior (T0) and after (T5, T10, T15, T20) intraplantar injection with saline solution 0,9% (group S), butorphanol 1 mg kg-1 (group B), and tramadol 1 mg kg-1 (group T). Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Friedman test were used to analyze the data expressed by median and range. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis of heart rate showed that there were significant differences between groups at different monitoring times. There were no significant differences in respiratory rate after intraplantar injection in any of the treatment groups. The paw withdrawal latency values at T5, T10, and T15 minutes after intraplantar injection in the group B were significantly higher compared to baseline value and to the values of the other groups. The paw withdrawal latency were no significant changes in the measurements of intragroup in S and T. Intraplantar administration of butorphanol provides a good analgesia and significantly increases paw withdrawal latency compared to tramadol. Intraplantar injection of butorphanol could be useful and safe and safe technique to achieve local analgesia for minor surgical procedures in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are used all over the world and have rapidly gained economic importance. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of C. arabica leaves on the sexual behavior of Wistar rats. C. arabica is a medicinal plant with a foul odor, toxic, and has hallucinogenic effects. The experimental study was carried out on white rats (male and female) of the Wistar strain from the Pasteur Institute of Algiers (Kouba, Algeria) weighing between 150 and 200g sexually naive. The animals are raised in polyethylene cages, the rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10 rats/group) which received a saline solution (male and female control group), 0.17 µg/ml of the aqueous extract of C. arabica leaves for 7 days orally (male and female treated group). The sexual behavior test was carried out according to four crosses types. The results of the treated groups showed a significant decrease in the mating frequency compared to the control group. Overall, the results showed that C. arabica significantly altered the sexual behavioral parameters (mounts frequency, mating time, licking time, first contact time, contacts number, intromission, latency time, and frequency). The aqueous extract of the plant caused an inconsistent decrease in the parameters of sexual behavior and orientation activity that were recorded in the treated animals. The C. arabica leaves aqueous extract caused an inconsistent decrease in the sexual behavioral parameters and orientation activity that were recorded in the treated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

The use of perforator propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction has increased recently. Many pharmacological agents are used to increase flap viability. Botulinum toxin has been used in various types of flaps in the literature. However, there is no study regarding the use of botulinum toxin in the lower limb propeller flaps. This study investigates the effect of botulinum toxin administration on flap survival for lower limb propeller flap in rats. The study included 20 male Wistar albino rats, divided into two groups with a flap rotation of 90° in group 1 and 180° in group 2. In both groups, botulinum toxin was administered to the right thigh and a physiological saline solution was applied to the left thigh. Five days later, flaps were elevated over the posterior aspect of the right and left thighs and inset after 90° and 180° rotation was performed. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and necrosis area analyses were performed. Necrosis area, edema, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration, and necrosis were found to be higher on the left side of the groups, whereas epidermal thickness, collagen density, vascularization, and hair root density were found to be higher on the right side of the groups. No significant difference was found between the right posterior thighs in either group on any parameter other than vascularization. Histopathologically and immunochemically statistically significant differences were found between the two groups. The present study found that botulinum toxin increases flap viability in lower limb perforator-based propeller flaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae) spathe has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera spathe were examined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty-nine male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups; group 1 received normal saline solution daily, group 2 received STZ (50 mg/kg) on the first day, group 3 received STZ (50 mg/kg, ip) at the beginning of the study and metformin (150 mg/kg), daily for 30 days, groups 4–6 received STZ (50 mg/kg, ip) at the beginning of the study and were treated with Phoenix dactylifera spathe extract (PDSE; 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 30 days, and group 7 received PDSE (200 mg/kg) for 30 days. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, weight change, adipokine leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. Qualitative analyses of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids but the absence of steroids and saponins. PDSE significantly reduced serum level of FBS, triglyceride, low lipoprotein density, cholesterol, adipokine leptin, TNF-α, hsCRP, and malondialdehyde. PDSE significantly increased the serum levels of high lipoprotein density, insulin, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione, as well as the body weight of diabetic rats. Our results showed that PDSE improves glycemic and lipidemic profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This suggests that PDSE may be a promising agent to mitigate diabetic symptoms in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of pomegranate peel aqueous extract (PPEA) in reducing toxicities associated with hydrogen peroxide consumption was investigated using rats. This was achieved by assessing the serum biochemical parameters as well as histopathological analysis of the liver and stomach sections. Forty, 6-week-old female Wistar albino rats weighing 11.6± 4.4 g were divided equally into six groups. The rats were administered the pomegranate extract and challenged with H2O2 via the oral route for 28 days. To achieve this, positive control rats ingested H2O2 at 5 mg/ 100g body weight (b.w), while the negative control groups were given saline solution. Rats in the other three experimental groups were given H2O2 and treated with PPEA at 20, 40 mg and Vitamin at 25mg per 100g body weight respectively. H2O2 at 5 mg/100 g b.w induced injury to the liver and stomach tissues, while increasing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), the Aspartate Transaminase (AST) besides Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and, reduced of Glutathione GSH) were observed in comparison with the control groups. Treatment with PPEA demonstrated protective effects by reducing the MDA, ALT and AST values and increase of GSH level as well as, improving the liver and stomach tissues to recover. Our results indicate that the administration of treatments against H2O2 using PPEA decrease the harmful effect orally administered H2O2 at 5 mg/100g b.w. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acharan sulfate, a new glycosaminoglycan isolated from Achatina fulica, obtained from Kediri, East Java, Indonesia, plays a big role in wound healing process, because it can promote re-epithelialization. Purpose: This study aims to prove that extract of Achatina fulica mucous will increase the number of basal epithelial cells of the wound incision in the back of white male rats of wistar strain. Method: This research was done by an in-vivo experimental laboratory, using 14 white male rats of wistar strain that given an incision injury in the back with a length of ± 2 cm and depth of ± 2 mm. They were divided into two treatment groups, that are control group which is the incision wounds were given saline solutions; and treatment group which is the incision wounds were given an extract of Achatina fulica mucous with crude acharan sulfate level is 86,74%. This treatment is given 3 ml once a day for five days. On the sixth day, biopsy was carried out to make a histological specimen, then evaluate under a microscope to account the number of basal epithelial cells of the wound incision. Then statistical analysis was conducted by using independent samples t-test with α=0,05. Results: There were significant differences between two treatment group, that are the number of basal epithelial cells in control group and treatment group (p<0,05). Conclusion: Extract of Achatina fulica mucous with crude acharan sulfate level is 86,74% increase the number of basal epithelial cells of the wound incision in the back of white male rats of wistar strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to investigate the effects of HRSS on erythrocyte deformability in lower limb ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. Methods: Eighteen male Wistar albino rats used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups as control, IR and IR-HRSS. 20 mg·kg-1HRSS was administered (20 mg·kg-1 i.p)30 min before the procedure. An atraumatic microvascular clamp was placed across the infrarenal abdominal aorta in the IR groups. 120 min ischemia and 120 min reperfusion is applied to the groups. Erythrocytes were obtained from heparinized whole blood samples for deformability measurements. Kruskal-Wallis test was used for independent samples and Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze differences between groups. Results: Ischemia reperfusion was found to increase relative resistance to the control group. The erythrocyte deformability index was significantly higher in IR and IR-HRSS groups than the control group. HRSS application significantly decreased erythrocyte deformability index compared to IR group. Conclusion: IR induced rats decreased erythrocyte deformability was partially corrected by HRSS. We believe that the protective effects of HRSS in IR injury and its use indications can be demonstrated in detail as long as the findings we have reached in our study are supported by other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Carnoy's solution is used as a complementary treatment following enucleation of odontogenic keratocysts to reduce its recurrence rate. However, its use is still controversial in the area of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of Carnoy's solution on the mandibular bone of Wistar rats in vivo, with special attention to the detrimental effects on osseous tissue. Material and methods: Monocortical defects created in the mandibular body of Wistar rats were exposed to Carnoy's solution or to saline solution for 5 min. All specimens were submitted to a histological analysis and the Wilcoxon Signed‐Rank test compared the mean percentage and percent of median of the amount of bone necrosis, blood clot and bone neoformation between the defects treated with CS and saline solution. P value <0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: Carnoy's solution did not cause more bone necrosis than the saline solution immediately and 3 days after applications (P = 0.135 and 0.287 respectively) but diminished the formation of blood clot after 3 days (P = 0.019). However, there were no differences in the quantity and quality of bone neoformation between CS and saline 10 days after applications (P = 0.459). Conclusions: The application of Carnoy's solution did not cause immediate nor late damage to the mandible of Wistar rats in vivo. Its use should be considered as a safe procedure and is encouraged after enucleation of keratocysts to eliminate possible epithelial cell nests, provided there is a clear clinical indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of enteral administration of obestatin on the development of small intestine, as well as oxidative stress markers and trancriptomic profile of gastrointestinal genes. Suckling rats were assigned to 3 groups treated with: C-saline solution; OL-obestatin (125 nmol/kg BW); OH-obestatin (250 nmol/kg BW) administered twice daily, from the 14th to the 21st day of life. Enteral administration of obestatin in both studied doses had no effect neither on the body weight of animals nor the BMI calculated in the day of euthanasia. Compared to the control group (C), treatment with obestatin resulted in significant changes in the histometry of the small intestinal wall as well as intestinal epithelial cell remodeling. The observed changes and their possible implications for intestinal development were dependent on the dosage of peptide. The enteral administration of high dose (OH) of obestatin significantly decreased its expression in the stomach and increased markers of oxidative stress. The gene profile revealed MAPK3 (mitogen-activated protein kinase-3) as the key regulator gene for obestatin action in the gastrointestinal track. In conclusion, we have showed that enteral administration of obestatin influences the gut mucosa remodeling. It is also suggested that the administration of high dose (OH) has inhibitory effect on the intestinal maturation of suckling rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food flavor enhancer used worldwide, has been studied because it may cause neurotoxicity, which is associated with oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether spinal cord and brain regions are affected by oxidative stress and the temporal profile of nociceptive responses induced by MSG in newborn and adult rats. The newborn (post natal day, PND 1) Wistar rats received ten subcutaneous injections of MSG (4.0 g/kg) or saline solution. At PND 3, 11 or 90, the rats performed nociceptive tests and parameters of oxidative stress were evaluated in samples of spinal cord and brain regions. Adult rats (PND 90) were injected with MSG (4.0 g/kg, 10 injections) or saline solution, but MSG did not induce nociception or oxidative stress. The neonatal administration of MSG increased nociceptive behavior in the tail immersion, hot plate and formalin tests and decreased the SOD activity in spinal cord of PND 3 rats. In rats at PND 11 and 90, the neonatal administration of MSG increased mechanical allodynia and nociceptive behavior in the hot plate and formalin tests. The neonatal administration of MSG induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus of rats at PND 11 and in the cerebral cortex at PND 90. These findings demonstrate that nociception and oxidative stress was induced in rats dependent on the time of MSG administration, susceptibility of spinal cord and brain regions and the age of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate efficiency of crude Pleurotus ostreatus extract as immunstimulater activity by investigate the contribution of some immunological parameters in response to crude extract in albino rats. The effective dose of crud extract were determined by treating the rats with different dose of extracts then evaluated the complete blood count (CBC). The result show that 100mg/kg dose was the most efficient dose in stimulating immunity so these dose chosen to further study. Three groups of rats (4 in each) were used, first group was immunized intraperetonialy with 3 dose per 14 day, second group immunized similarly with 6 dose per 14 while third group was gave intraperetonialy phosphate buffer saline (PBS) as control group. Blood samples were collected at 2 weeks last dose. Immunity parameters were detected by ELISA test (TLR4, IL2 and MCP1) as well as IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 by radial immune diffusion assay, in addition to evaluated Phagocytosis activity which appeared a significantly Pd"0.05 increased at 6dose per 14 days during 1 and 24 h (32.5 and 69%) compared with control (19 and 26.5%), respectively, also all tested cytokines (IL2, TLR4 and MCP1) were significantly P≤0.05 increased after 6 doses. 14 days compared with control treatment but only TLR4 significantly increased after 3dose. 14 days, also all humeral immune parameters tested (IgG, IgM and C3) significantly P≤0.05 increased at 6 dose. 14 days (3411, 71.35, 239)mg/dl respectively, but non significantly increased in C4, while non-significantly increased at 3dose. 14 days at all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment is a dysfunction observed as a sequel of various neurodegenerative diseases, as well as a concomitant element in the elderly stages of life. In clinical settings, this malfunction is identified as mild cognitive impairment. Previous studies have suggested that cognitive impairment could be the result of a reduction in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and/or immune dysfunction. Copolymer-1 (Cop-1) is an FDA-approved synthetic peptide capable of inducing the activation of Th2/3 cells, which are able to release BDNF, as well as to migrate and accumulate in the brain. In this study, we evaluated the effect of Cop-1 immunization on improvement of cognition in adult rats. For this purpose, we performed four experiments. We evaluated the effect of Cop-1 immunization on learning/memory using the Morris water maze for spatial memory and autoshaping for associative memory in 3- or 6-month-old rats. BDNF concentrations at the hippocampus were determined by ELISA. Cop-1 immunization induced a significant improvement of spatial memory and associative memory in 6-month-old rats. Likewise, Cop-1 improved spatial memory and associative memory when animals were immunized at 3 months and evaluated at 6 months old. Additionally, Cop-1 induced a significant increase in BDNF levels at the hippocampus. To our knowledge, the present investigation reports the first instance of Cop-1 treatment enhancing cognitive function in normal young adult rats, suggesting that Cop-1 may be a practical therapeutic strategy potentially useful for age- or disease-related cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to verify whether a prolonged exposure to low-level mercury promotes haemodynamic disorders and studied the reversibility of this vascular damage. Rats were divided into seven groups: three control groups received saline solution ( im ) for 30, 60 or 90 days; two groups received HgCl 2 ( im , first dose, 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent doses 0.07 μg/kg/day) for 30 or 60 days; two groups received HgCl 2 for 30 or 60 days ( im , same doses) followed by a 30-day washout period. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured, along with analysis of vascular response to acetylcholine (ACh) and phenylephrine (Phe) in the absence and presence of endothelium, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, superoxide dismutase, a non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor and an AT1 receptor blocker. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and antioxidant power were measured in plasma. HgCl 2 exposure for 30 and 60 days: a) reduced the endothelium-dependent relaxation; b) increased the Phe-induced contraction and the contribution of ROS, COX-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids and angiotensin II acting on AT1 receptors to this response while the NO participation was reduced; c) increased the oxidative stress in plasma; d) increased the SBP only after 60 days of exposure. After the cessation of HgCl 2 exposure, SBP, endothelium-dependent relaxation, Phe-induced contraction and the oxidative stress were normalised, despite the persistence of the increased COX-derived prostanoids. These results demonstrated that long-term HgCl 2 exposure increases SBP as a consequence of vascular dysfunction; however, after HgCl 2 removal from the environment the vascular function ameliorates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of cell death inhibitors including ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1 (FER-1) and a pan-caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-FMK on brain parameters and cognitive function in iron-overloaded rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into 2 groups to receive an intraperitoneal injection with either 10 % dextrose in normal saline solution (NSS) (control group, n = 6) or 100 mg/kg iron dextran (Fe group, n = 24) for 6 weeks. After 4 weeks of injection, Fe-injected rats were subdivided into 4 subgroups (n = 6/subgroup) to subcutaneously receive with 1) vehicle (10 % DMSO in NSS), 2) deferoxamine (25 mg/kg), 3) FER-1 (2 mg/kg), or 4) z-VAD-FMK (1 mg/kg). Control group was received vehicle. All subgroups were received each treatment for 2 weeks. Behavioral tests including the Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test, were performed at the end of treatment. Then, circulating iron levels and brain parameters including blood-brain barrier proteins, iron level, synaptic proteins, and ferroptosis/apoptosis were determined. All treatment attenuated iron-overloaded condition, brain pathologies, and the cognitive impairment. FER-1 and z-VAD-FMK provided superior effects than deferoxamine by attenuating loss of synaptic proteins and restoring cognitive function in both hippocampal-dependent and hippocampal-independent manners. These findings suggest that cell death inhibitors act as the novel therapeutic targets for neuroprotection in iron-overloaded condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: INTRODUCTION: Our work was focused on the effect of Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 on the osteointegration of synthetic hydroxyapatite in a 2mm cavity located on the left mandibular body MATERIALS AND METHODS: MATERIALS AND METHODS: After drilling a 2mm hole using a surgical drill in the mandibular body of anesthetized Wistar rats, the cavity was filled using synthetic bone particles of hydroxyapatite. BPC 157 (10μg/kg or 10ng/kg) was applied to one group while the other group received saline solution (1ml/rat). Solutions were given directly to the injury after which it was treated using stitches. The control group of rats was given food and water for the next 2 months while the BPC-157 treated rats were drinking the BPC-157 solution instead of regular water. The rats were scanned twice at intervals of 1 month using an x-ray machine. After 2 months the rats were sacrificed and the heads were stored in 4% formalin. RESULTS: In the control saline-treated group there were visible fragments of synthetic bone particles around the filled cavity as well as visible non-continuity of the bone meaning the bone did not regenerate fully. In BPC-157 treated rats the synthetic bone fragments around the cavity have been absorbed and the visible continuity of the bone is present which indicates that the bone had healed much faster. CONCLUSION: CONCLUSION: Animals treated with BPC-157 have shown much better results in bone and injury healing as seen on radiographical images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 4-Methylethcathinone is a drug that belongs to the second generation of synthetic cathinones, and recently it has been ranked among the most popular "legal highs". Although it has similar in vitro neurochemical actions to other drugs such as cocaine, the behavioral effects of 4-methylethcathinone remain to be determined. Methods: The addictive potential and locomotor potentiation by 4-methylethcathinone were investigated in rats using the conditioned place preference and sensitization paradigm. Methamphetamine was used as a positive control. Because synthetic cathinones can have psychological effects, we also examined anxiety-like behavior using the elevated plus maze. Results: A conditioning dose of 10 mg/kg 4-methylethcathinone was able to induce conditioned place preference and reinstatement (following 2 weeks of withdrawal). Acute or repeated injections of 4-methylethcathinone at 3 or 10 mg/ kg failed to alter locomotor activity. At 30 mg/kg, however, acute 4-methylethcathinone increased locomotor activity compared with saline, while chronic 4-methylethcathinone induced a delayed and attenuated sensitization compared with methamphetamine. Additionally, repeated daily injections of 4-methylethcathinone (30 mg/kg) reduced, whereas methamphetamine increased time spent by rats in the open arm of an elevated plus maze compared with saline injections. Interestingly, a 2-week withdrawal period following chronic injections of 4-methylethcathinone or methamphetamine increased time spent in the open arm in all rats. Conclusions: The rewarding properties of 4-methylethcathinone were found to be dissociated from its effects on locomotor activity. Additionally, chronic 4-methylethcathinone use may trigger abnormal anxious behaviors. These behavioral effects caused by 4-methylethcathinone appear to last even after a withdrawal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tissue hypoperfusion and inflammation in sepsis can lead to organ failure including kidney and liver. In sepsis, mortality of acute kidney injury increases by more than 50%. Which type of volume replacement should be used is still an ongoing debate. We investigated the effect of different volume strategies on inflammatory mediators in kidney and liver in an early sepsis model. Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to sepsis by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and assigned to three fluid replenishment groups. Animals received 30mL/kg of Ringer’s lactate (RL) for 2h, thereafter RL (75mL/kg), hydroxyethyl starch (HES) balanced (25mL/kg), containing malate and acetate, or HES saline (25mL/kg) for another 2h. Kidney and liver tissue was assessed for inflammation. In vitro rat endothelial cells were exposed to RL, HES balanced or HES saline for 2h, followed by stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for another 4h. Alternatively, cells were exposed to malate, acetate or a mixture of malate and acetate, reflecting the according concentration of these substances in HES balanced. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined in cell supernatants. Results: Cytokine mRNA in kidney and liver was increased in CLP animals treated with HES balanced compared to RL, but not after application of HES saline. MCP-1 was 3.5fold (95% CI: 1.3, 5.6) (p<0.01) and TNF-α 2.3fold (95% CI: 1.2, 3.3) (p<0.001) upregulated in the kidney. Corresponding results were seen in liver tissue. TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells co-exposed to RL expressed 3529±1040pg/mL MCP-1 and 59±23pg/mL CINC-1 protein. These cytokines increased by 2358pg/mL (95% CI: 1511, 3204) (p<0.001) and 29pg/ml (95% CI: 14, 45) (p<0.01) respectively when exposed to HES balanced instead. However, no further upregulation was observed with HES saline. PBS supplemented with acetate increased MCP-1 by 1325pg/mL (95% CI: 741, 1909) (p<0.001) and CINC-1 by 24pg/mL (95% CI: 9, 38) (p<0.01) compared to RL. Malate as well as HES saline did not affect cytokine expression. Conclusion: We identified HES balanced and specifically its component acetate as pro-inflammatory factor. How important this additional inflammatory burden on kidney and liver function is contributing to the sepsis-associated inflammatory burden in early sepsis needs further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection is one of the main complications that hinder wound healing. Currently, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) , are a concern worldwide for both humans and animals. Maggot therapy is re-emerging as an alternative to intractable wounds and may be an option to the traditional antibiotic treatment. Although the species of choice is Lucilia sericata , reports of clinical use have led us to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using Lucilia cuprina larvae on induced infected wounds in Wistar rats. In short, 32 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Group I - saline solution treated; Group II - antibiotic-treated; Group III - treated with larval debridement, and Group IV - without wound and treatment. Skin wounds were induced in groups I, II and III. All treatments were performed once and held for 48 h. Clinical, microbiological, histopathological, hematological, and biochemical analyses were done. Significant wound area contraction was found (>95%) in group III on day 9 compared to day 15 in group II. Complete elimination (0.0 ± 0.0 CFU/mL) of bioburden was achieved after the second treatment (day 6) in both the II and III groups, compared to an increase in Group I (6.51 ± 0.37 CFU/mL). A cleaner wound was also observed in the histopathological evaluation of group III, with adequate collagen formation and re-epithelialization on day 15. Furthermore, larvae increased blood platelet levels after the first treatment. L. cuprina larvae have proven safe and effective in accelerating wound treatment and eliminating MRSA. [Display omitted] • Alternative treatment of infected wounds with Lucilia cuprina maggots has proven effective and safe. • Lucilia cuprina maggots provide a continuous and selective form of debridement. • Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacterial growth was inhibited and the bacteria were removed from the wound bed. • Maggot debridement therapy facilitated and accelerated the wound healing process compared to antibiotic treatment. • The hematological and biochemical parameters of the maggot-treated animals remained stable compared to the control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To research the effects of volatile components of Modified Wendan Decoction on improving the behavior of autistic rats. [Methods] Pregnant rats were randomly divided into two groups. On 12.5 d after pregnancy, intraperitoneal injection of 600 mg/kg VPA was carried out so as to establish autistic rats model. In control group, the same volume of 0.85% normal saline (NS) was intraperitoneal injected. The auxanology, behavior and morphology identification of rats were carried out. A total of 60 autistic rats and 20 rats in NS group were randomly collected on the 35th day after pregnancy. And autistic rats were randomly divided into distilled water group (DW), Modified Wendan Decoction group (VPA-1) and Modified Wendan Decoction and volatile oil group (VPA-2). There were 20 rats in each group. The volatile components of Modified Wendan Decoction were analyzed by steam distiilation method (SD) and GC-MS. [Results] VPA-1 group improved the behavior of autistic rats in certain degrees, but the effects were poorer than VPA-2 group. A total of 71 volatile components were detected. Among them, α-asarone, D-limonene and eugenol had relatively high content, accounting for 99.89% of the total volatile components. [Results] The volatile oils in Modified Wendan Decoction enhanced the therapeutic effects of autism. Literatures showed that α-asarone, D-limonene, eugenol and other volatile components adjusted the central nervous system, improved cerebral function, had the functions of anticonvulsion, anti-epileptic and diazepam, and improved the symptoms of autism. This research provided methodological basis for the analysis of volatile components in Modified Wendan Decoction, and provided references for the medicinal efficacy research on curing autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To characterize the dynamics of the pituitary-adrenal interaction during the course of coronary artery bypass grafting both on and off pump. Since our data pointed to a major change in adrenal responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone, we used a reverse translation approach to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying this change in a rat model of critical illness. Design: Clinical studies: Prospective observational study. Animal studies: Controlled experimental study. Setting: Clinical studies: Cardiac surgery operating rooms and critical care units. Animal studies: University research laboratory. Subjects: Clinical studies: Twenty, male patients. Animal studies: Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats. Interventions: Clinical studies: Coronary artery bypass graft-both on and off pump. Animal studies: Injection of either lipopolysaccharide or saline (controls) via a jugular vein cannula. Measurements and Main Results: Clinical studies: Blood samples were taken for 24 hours from placement of the first venous access. Cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone were measured every 10 and 60 minutes, respectively, and corticosteroid-binding globulin was measured at the beginning and end of the 24-hour period and at the end of operation. There was an initial rise in both levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol to supranormal values at around the end of surgery. Adrenocorticotropic hormone levels then returned toward preoperative values. Ultradian pulsatility of both adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol was maintained throughout the perioperative period in all individuals. The sensitivity of the adrenal gland to adrenocorticotropic hormone increased markedly at around 8 hours after surgery maintaining very high levels of cortisol in the face of "basal" levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone. This sensitivity began to return toward preoperative values at the end of the 24-hour sampling period. Animal studies: Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats were given either lipopolysaccharide or sterile saline via a jugular vein cannula. Hourly blood samples were subsequently collected for adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone measurement. Rats were killed 6 hours after the injection, and the adrenal glands were collected for measurement of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, steroidogenic factor 1, and dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1 messenger RNAs and protein using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western immunoblotting, respectively. Adrenal levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor (melanocortin type 2 receptor) messenger RNA and its accessory protein (melanocortin type 2 receptor accessory protein) were also measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In response to lipopolysaccharide, rats showed a pattern of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone that was similar to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We were also able to demonstrate increased intra-adrenal corticosterone levels and an increase in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, steroidogenic factor 1, and melanocortin type 2 receptor accessory protein messenger RNAs and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, and a reduction in dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1 and melanocortin type 2 receptor messenger RNAs, 6 hours after lipopolysaccharide injection. Conclusions: Severe inflammatory stimuli activate the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in increased steroidogenic activity in the adrenal cortex and an elevation of cortisol levels in the blood. Following coronary artery bypass grafting, there is a massive increase in both adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol secretion. Despite a subsequent fall of adrenocorticotropic hormone to basal levels, cortisol remains elevated and coordinated adrenocorticotropic hormone-cortisol pulsatility is maintained. This suggested that there is an increase in adrenal sensitivity to adrenocorticotropic hormone, which we confirmed in our animal model of immune activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal axis. Using this model, we were able to show that this increased adrenal sensitivity results from changes in the regulation of both stimulatory and inhibitory intra-adrenal signaling pathways. Increased understanding of the dynamics of normal hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal responses to major surgery will provide us with a more rational approach to glucocorticoid therapy in critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deep burn wounds undergo a dynamic process known as wound progression that results in a deepening and extension of the initial burn area. The zone of stasis is more likely to develop more severe during wound progression in the presence of hypoperfusion. Hydrogen has been reported to alleviate injury triggered by ischaemia/reperfusion and burns in various organs by selectively quenching oxygen free radicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of hydrogen against early burn-wound progression. Methods: Deep-burn models were established through contact with a boiled, rectangular, brass comb for 20 s. Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, burn plus saline, and burn plus hydrogen-rich saline (HS) groups with sacrifice and analysis at various time windows (6 h, 24 h, 48 h) post burn. Indexes of oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy were measured in each group. The zone of stasis was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining, ELISA, and Western blot to explore the underlying effects and mechanisms post burn. Results: The burn-induced increase in malondialdehyde was markedly reduced with HS, while the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased. Moreover, HS treatment attenuated increases in apoptosis and autophagy postburn in wounds, according to the TUNEL staining results and the expression analysis of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, Beclin-1 and Atg-5 proteins. Additionally, HS lowered the level of myeloperoxidase and expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the zone of stasis while augmenting IL-10. The elevated levels of Akt phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 expression post burn were also downregulated by HS management. Conclusion: Hydrogen can attenuate early wound progression following deep burn injury. The beneficial effect of hydrogen was mediated by attenuating oxidative stress, which inhibited apoptosis and inflammation, and the Akt/NF-κB signalling pathway may be involved in regulating the release of inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a method for the fast in vivo quantification of small volumes, down to 25 µL, using low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coils. The coils were designed so as to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the images. For this we developed an analytical model for describing the variations of the SNR with coil design and with size/shape suited to the object under observation. Based on the conclusions drawn from the model, the coil parameters were chosen in order to reach an SNR close to the maximum. For the validation of the model, coils were finally characterized in terms of quality factor using saline phantoms. The coil design procedure is illustrated here with two examples: first, the quantification of about 200 µL of intradermal injected gel on rabbits with a single loop surface coil and second, the imaging of the intervertebral disks in rat tails using a small volume coil to detect possible lesions. Such studies would not have been feasible for the clinical low-field MRI system at our disposal using any of the commercially available medium-sized manufactured coils. As a result of this simple optimization procedure, a wide range of applications is accessible even at low magnetic fields, leading to new opportunities for low-cost, though efficient, preclinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a leading cause of acute kidney injury. The pathophysiological process involves oxidative stress and inflammation. Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This study explored the protective effect of pretreatment with HRS on the development of glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis acute kidney injury. Materials and methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group 1 served as the control, group 2 was given 50% glycerol (10 mL/kg, intramuscular), group 3 was given glycerol after 7 d pretreatment with high dose HRS (10 mL/kg/d, intraperitoneal), and group 4 was given glycerol after 7 d pretreatment with low dose HRS (5 mL/kg/d, intraperitoneal). Renal health was monitored by serum creatinine (Cr), urea, and histologic analysis; rhabdomyolysis was monitored by creatine kinase (CK) levels; and oxidative stress was monitored by kidney tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels. Inflammation was monitored by interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) evaluation. Results: Glycerol administration resulted in an increase in the mean histologic damage score, serum Cr, urea and CK, kidney tissue ROS, malondialdehyde, 8-OH-dG, GSH-PX, IL-6, and TNF-α, and a decrease in kidney tissue superoxide dismutase activity. All these factors were significantly improved by both doses of HRS, but the mean histologic damage score, urea, Cr, CK, ROS, 8-OH-dG, GSH-PX, IL-6, and TNF-α for the high dose HRS treatment group were even lower. Conclusions: Pretreatment by HRS ameliorated renal dysfunction in glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background We previously developed a thrombus-induced ischemic pain (TIIP) animal model, which was characterized by chronic bilateral mechanical allodynia without thermal hyperalgesia (TH). On the other hand we had shown that intraplantar injection of acidic saline facilitated ATPinduced pain, which did result in the induction of TH in normal rats. Because acidic pH and increased ATP are closely associated with ischemic conditions, this study is designed to: (1) examine whether acidic saline injection into the hind paw causes the development of TH in TIIP, but not control, animals; and (2) determine which peripheral mechanisms are involved in the development of this TH. Results Repeated intraplantar injection of pH 4.0 saline, but not pH 5.5 and 7.0 saline, for 3 days following TIIP surgery resulted in the development of TH. After pH 4.0 saline injections, protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) were elevated in the plantar muscle indicating that acidic stimulation intensified ischemic insults with decreased tissue acidity. At the same time point, there were no changes in the expression of TRPV1 in hind paw skin, whereas a significant increase in TRPV1 phosphorylation (pTRPV1) was shown in acidic saline (pH 4.0) injected TIIP (AS-TIIP) animals. Moreover, intraplantar injection of chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor) and AMG9810 (a TRPV1 antagonist) effectively alleviated the established TH. In order to investigate which proton- or ATP-sensing receptors contributed to the development of TH, amiloride (an ASICs blocker), AMG9810, TNP-ATP (a P2Xs antagonist) or MRS2179 (a P2Y1 antagonist) were pre-injected before the pH 4.0 saline. Only MRS2179 significantly prevented the induction of TH, and the increased pTRPV1 ratio was also blocked in MRS2179 injected animals. Conclusion Collectively these data show that maintenance of an acidic environment in the ischemic hind paw of TIIP rats results in the phosphorylation of TRPV1 receptors via a PKC-dependent pathway, which leads to the development of TH mimicking what occurs in chronic ischemic patients with severe acidosis. More importantly, peripheral P2Y1 receptors play a pivotal role in this process, suggesting a novel peripheral mechanism underlying the development of TH in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Understanding an individual's vulnerability to drug addiction has important implications for the development of effective personal treatment plans. Although theories acknowledge impulsive behaviour as a key component of drug addiction, little is known about the influence of trait impulsivity on an individual's susceptibility to the effects of psychostimulants on impulsivity at critical phases of the addiction cycle. Methods: This study investigated the short and longer-term effects of chronic nicotine administration on impulsive choice in rats selected for high (HI) and low impulsivity (LI) on a delay discounting task. Rats prepared with subcutaneously osmotic mini-pumps received either nicotine (3.16 mg/kg/day [freebase]) or saline for 7 days. Performance was assessed during chronic treatment, early and late withdrawal, and in response to acute nicotine challenges following prolonged abstinence. Results: Chronic nicotine increased impulsive choice in LI but not HI animals. Spontaneous withdrawal was associated with a nicotine abstinence syndrome, the early stages of which were characterised by opposing effects on impulsive choice in HI and LI animals. A transient decrease in impulsivity was observed in HI animals whilst the LI group remained more impulsive for up to 1 week following drug termination. Following normalisation of behaviour, acute nicotine challenges (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/kg, SC) markedly increased impulsive choice regardless of trait impulsivity and drug history. Conclusion: The results indicate that only LI individuals are vulnerable to chronic drug- and withdrawal-induced impairments in self-control which may increase the likelihood of the transition to, and maintenance of, nicotine dependence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the possibility of using local administration of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) to induce tissue regeneration in periodontal defects in a rat model of periodontitis. BMMSCs isolated from rats were mixed with 0.9% NaCl solution and injected into periodontal defects. Control groups were 0.9% NaCl solution or left untreated. The clinical assessments, x-rays, and histological examinations were used to evaluate the effect. At 12 wks post-transplantation, quantitative analysis revealed average probing bone loss values of 1.2 ± 0.19, 1.6 ± 0.2, and 1.7 ± 0.14; the bone regeneration rate was 53%, 45%, and 44% in the BMMSC+NaCl group, NaCl group, and untreated group, respectively. The clinical assessments, x-rays, and histological examinations revealed significant periodontal tissue regeneration in the BMMSC injection group, compared with the control groups. The ELISA results showed that TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β were 2,674.88 ± 102.77 pg/mL vs. 3,422.1 ± 51.98 pg/mL, 609.85 ± 25.5 pg/mL vs. 803.79 ± 33.85 pg/mL, and 1,038.46 ± 76.29 pg/mL vs. 1,175.26 ± 105.55 pg/mL in the BMMSC+NaCl group and NaCl group, respectively, indicating that BMMSC injection inhibited the inflammatory factors TNFα, IFNγ, and IL1β. Our results indicate that local administration of BMMSCs can repair defects due to periodontitis, exerting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Hydrogen has been demonstrated to have effective protection against tissue injuries caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study investigated the efficacy of hydrogen-rich saline (HS) on the prevention of renal injury induced by unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 groups: sham group, UUO group, UUO+saline group, and UUO+HS group. UUO was induced by ligation of the left ureter. 5ml/kg HRSS or saline was administered beginning 1day after UUO and for 10days thereafter. Rats were killed at 10days after UUO. Left kidneys were excised immediately for the tissue histologic examinations and biochemical assays. Renal injury scores in the UUO group and the UUO+saline group were significantly higher compared with those in the sham group. However, administration of HS significantly reduced the injury score. Apoptosis index was significantly increased in UUO group and the UUO+saline group. HS treatment also reduced the apoptosis index. Interstitial fibrosis and macrophage infiltration were obvious in UUO kidneys. However, HS treatment significantly reduced the fibrosis and infiltration of macrophage in UUO kidneys. Significant increase in the MDA level and decrease in the SOD activity were observed in UUO group and the UUO+saline group. MDA level of UUO+HS group was significantly reduced. In addition, SOD activity of was significantly improved after treatment of HS. The data provide a biochemical and histologic basis for HS acting as a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing the renal injury induced by UUO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aluminium (Al) is an important metal, but it can be toxic including for prostate tissue. This study aimed to evaluate whether exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) during the peripubertal period affects ventral prostate development in rats. Male Wistar rats (30 days old) were distributed into three experimental groups: control (sterile 0.9% saline solution), AL7 (7 mg AlCl3/kg) and AL34 (34 mg AlCl3/kg). Animals were treated intraperitoneally from postnatal day (PND) 36–66 (peripubertal period). At PND67, the animals were anaesthetized and euthanized. Blood was collected for testosterone levels. The ventral prostate (VP) was removed, weighed and processed for histochemistry and immunohistochemistry to detect androgen (AR) and Ki67. Stereological and histopathological analyses, mast cell counts, and determinations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl glycosidase (NAG) activity and IL-6 levels were performed. The AL34 group presented a reduction in body weight and increase in MPO activity compared to the other groups. In both the AL7 and AL34 groups, there was reorganization of the prostatic tissue compartments. There was no significant difference in prostate weight, number of granulated or degranulated mast cells, or testosterone levels. In conclusion, the exposure to aluminium chloride during the peripubertal period impairs the prostatic development. [Display omitted] • Peripubertal aluminium exposure impaired ventral prostate development in pubescent rats. • Peripubertal aluminium exposure impairs acini growth and differentiation. • MPO activity increased after peripubertal aluminium exposure in male adult rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the response to acute application of several drugs in adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to methamphetamine (MA). Spontaneous locomotor activity and exploratory behavior of adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to MA (5 mg/kg) or saline were tested in a Laboras apparatus (Metris B.V., Netherlands) for 1 h. Challenge dose of the examined drug [amphetamine - 5 mg/kg; cocaine - 5mg/kg; MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) - 5 mg/kg; morphine - 5 mg/kg; THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) - 2 mg/kg] or saline was injected prior to testing. Our data demonstrate that prenatal MA exposure did not affect behavior in male rats with cocaine or morphine treatment, but increased locomotion and exploration in females. Application of amphetamine and MDMA in adulthood increased activity in both sexes, while cocaine and THC only in female rats. Morphine, on the other hand, decreased the activity in the Laboras test in both sexes. As far as sex and estrous cycle is concerned, the present study shows that males were generally less active than females and also females in proestrus-estrus phase of the estrous cycle were more active than females in diestrus. In conclusion, the present study shows that the prenatal MA exposure does not induce general sensitization but affects the sensitivity to drugs dependently to mechanism of drug action and with respect to gonadal hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prenatal methamphetamine (MA) exposure and application of the same drug in adulthood on cognitive functions of adult female rats. Animals were prenatally exposed to MA (5 mg/kg) or saline (control group). The cognitive function was tested as ability of spatial learning in the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Each day of the experiment animals received an injection of MA (1 mg/kg) or saline. Our results demonstrated that prenatal MA exposure did not affect the latency to reach the hidden platform or the distance traveled during the Place Navigation Test; however, the speed of swimming was increased in prenatally MA-exposed rats compared to controls regardless of the treatment in adulthood. MA treatment in adulthood increased the latency and distance when compared to controls regardless of the prenatal exposure. Neither prenatal exposure, nor treatment in adulthood affected memory retrieval. As far as the estrous cycle is concerned, our results showed that prenatally MA-exposed females in proestrus/estrus swam faster than females in diestrus. This effect of estrous cycle was not apparent in control females. In conclusion, our results indicate that postnatal, but not prenatal exposure to MA affects learning of adult female rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to compare the immediate and delayed locomotor response to high-dose nicotine (NIC) administration in rats. The vertical and horizontal activity of behavior in adult male rats exposed to 1 mg/kg NIC or saline (SAL) were tested in a Laboras apparatus for one hour after drug application. Animals were then returned to their cages and housed for another seven days. After this period all animals were placed in Laboras again and their behavioral pattern was retested for another period of one hour (delayed response). Horizontal activity: immediately after nicotine administration animal were less mobile (first 2-minutes interval), when compared with controls. The immobilization effect of nicotine disappeared within 4 minutes and during whole first 10-minutes interval time spent by locomotion did not differ from controls. Locomotion activity of animals treated with nicotine increased robustly in following 10 minutes and remained significantly higher in 2nd, 3rd and 5th 10-minutes interval. Vertical activity: Rearing frequency was significantly lowered by NIC administration in first two minutes of the experiment and the same was found when the duration of rearing was analyzed. Lower rearing intensity of NIC treated animals disappeared in 4 minutes and was finally higher during whole test session as compared with controls. When duration of rearing was analyzed it was significantly longer in NIC treated animals. In majority of observed behavioral aspects there were no differences between NIC treated rats and controls seven days after NIC or SAL treatment. Our results reflect effect of NIC and we conclude that NIC significantly influences behavior of experimental animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Antinociceptive effect of morphine in offspring born of mothers that received saline or morphine during the gestation period was investigated. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats (200-250 g) received saline, morphine 0.5 mg/kg or 5 mg/kg during gestation days 14-16. All pups after weaning were isolated treatment/sex dependently and were allowed to fully mature. The antinociceptive effect of morphine was assessed in formalin test. Morphine (0.5-7.5 mg/kg) or saline (1 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 10 min before formalin (50 μl of 2.5% solution in right hind-paw). Results: Male offspring born of saline-treated mothers were less morphine-sensitive than females. On the contrary, male offspring exposed prenatally to morphine (5 mg/kg) were more sensitive to morphine-induced antinociceptive response in formalin test. However, no difference in antinociceptive effect was observed amongst offspring of either sex born of mothers treated with morphine 0.5 mg/kg, identifying a lower dose effect of the opioid. Conclusion: The exposure to morphine during the developmental period may result in altered development of tolerance to morphine and thus involved in drug abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]