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Hypothyroid obesity is associated with various metabolic abnormalities. This study aimed to assess the ameliorating property of Saussurea costus methanolic extract (SME) in hypothyroid obese rats via its oral administration for 30 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical determinations; the liver and heart were removed for the determination of oxidative stress markers; and the thyroid gland was dissected out for histopathological examination. The total phenolic compounds, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power of the extract were also determined. The results showed that the extract possessed considerable values of phenolic compounds, radical scavenging activity, and reducing power. Also, hypothyroid obesity induced significant increases in serum insulin, glucose, and TSH levels concomitant with significant decreases in the levels of total T3, free T3, free T4, and total T4 hormones. The levels of hepatic and cardiac MDA and NO increased significantly while the values of GSH, GPx, and catalase decreased significantly in hypothyroid obese modeled rats. Moreover, hypothyroid obesity significantly increased serum ASAT, ALAT, CK-MB, and LDH activities but did not affect levels of urea and creatinine. In addition, serum cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, IL- 6, IL-4, and IL-10 levels increased significantly in hypothyroid obese rats compared to control group. Lipid profile markers also disturbed significantly in hypothyroid obese rats. Interestingly, both SME and the reference drugs (L-Thyroxine) succeeded to counteract the alterations in the values of the above parameters and improve the histological picture of thyroid gland but with different levels, where SME was more safe than L-Thyroxine. It could be concluded that the Saussurea costus extract is a promising natural source that could be used more safely than L-Thyroxine to prevent and reduce thyroid dysfunction associated with obesity and its complications, benefiting patients and health institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a disease that is associated with abnormal proliferation and growth of living cells, and cyclophosphamide® therapy results in hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate ameliorative effect of Chenopodium quinoa ethanolic extract (QEE) against cyclophosphamide®-induced hepatotoxicity. Four groups (10 male Wistar rats each) were used: (1) healthy control group; (2) rats treated orally with QEE (400 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks; (3) rats injected intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide® (150 mg/kg/week) for 4 weeks; (4) rats received QEE after cyclophosphamide® intoxication another 4 weeks. The results revealed that QEE succeeded to decrease the hepatotoxicity-induced by cyclophosphamide®; this was evidenced by the significant reduction in serum ALAT, ASAT, GGT, ALP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and TNF-α IL 1β and IL6, as well as hepatic MDA, nitric oxide levels, and DNA fragmentation coupled with a marked rise in serum albumin and HDL-cholesterol level as well as hepatic GSH, SOD, GPx, and catalase values. QEE succeeded also in improving the histopathological picture of the liver. It could be concluded that QEE succeeded, to a great extent, to counteract the oxidative stress and regenerated the liver against cyclophosphamide®-resultant hepatotoxicity. QEE could be considered a promising candidate as a food supplement for the protection against the side effects of cyclophosphamide®. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the action of fish liver oil and propolis in pilocarpine epileptic rats treated with the anticonvulsant drug valproate. Methods: Seven groups of rats were treated daily for six months: control; fish liver oil (0.4ml/kg b.w); propolis (50mg/kg b.w); pilocarpine-treated rats (epileptic control); epileptic rats treated with valproate (400mg/kg b.w); groups 6 and 7, epileptic rats treated with valproate plus fish liver oil or propolis. Results: Pilocarpine administration caused a significant increase in hippocampal dopamine and serotonin levels accompanied with a significant decrease in their levels in serum. Lipid peroxidation level and LDH activity in hippocampus were significantly increased after pilocarpine treatment whereas Na+/K+-ATPase activity and total antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased compared to the controls. Animals treated with the combined treatments showed a significant improvement in tested parameters towards the normal values of the control. Conclusion: Fish liver oil and propolis when given in combination with valproate, neuroprotected against the neurophysiological disorders induced by pilocarpine epilepsy in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]