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Portulaca oleracea is rich in several minerals, vitamins, and antioxidant components, which has made it widely used in the management of hepato-renal disorders. In this study, we aimed to establish the safety or otherwise effect of Portulaca oleracea on renal function in albino Wistar rats concerning its numerous uses in traditional medicine as a vegetable for humans and as animal feed. The rats were grouped into experimental and control groups of ten (10) rats each. The experimental group was fed with 200 mg/kg of portulaca oleracea extract incorporated into the diet, while the control group was fed with normal feed for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected for analysis. The data obtained was analyzed using a student t-test. The result of the test showed that creatinine from the experimental group (0.28 ± 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.002) showed a significant decrease when compared with the control group (0.37 ± 0.02 mg/dL) at p

Background/aim: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapy medicine commonly used to treat breast cancer; yet, despite its clinical efficacy, it usually causes chemobrain. As a result, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of Diosmin (DIOS) on DOX-induced chemobrain in male rat brains. Animals and methods: In the experimental protocol, Rats were divided into 4 groups: group I received solvent and saline for 56 days, group II received Dios and a concomitant dose of saline for 56 days, group III received DOX intraperitoneally on 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th, 42nd, 49th and 56th days, and Group IV received DIOS (40 mg/kg P.O.) for 56 days and DOX was administered one hour after DIOS oral administration. The novel-object recognition memory test (NORT) was used to assess non-spatial memory function. Following that, brain neurochemical status were assessed. Results: DIOS increased cognitive performance in DOX-treated rats by enhancing exploration of unfamiliar objects. DIOS protects the brain from DOX-mediated alterations in oxidative status, as well as brain metabolic enzyme indicators. It also decreased MMP-6, IL-6, IL-β1, TNF-α and COX-2 expression, reduced apoptotic markers levels, boosted mTOR protein levels, lowered beclin-1, restored brain metabolic enzyme activities, increased neurotransmitter as well as cathepsin levels, and avoided the rise in α-synuclein and PON1 enzyme activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, DIOS protects rats' brains against DOX-induced chemobrain via oxidative stress inhibition, autophagy modulation, and down-regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic markers.

Background: Crude oil, a major key economic driver in developing countries, is also of environmental concern, linked to neurotoxicity and behavioural problems. Despite the known neurotoxic effects of crude oil and the potential benefits of zinc and vitamin E, there is a paucity of research specifically addressing their combined efficacy in mitigating neurochemical changes and behavioural deficits induced by crude oil. Current studies have largely focussed on the individual effects of these supplements in different contexts, but their synergistic potential in a crude oil exposure model remains underexplored. This study investigated the potential effects of zinc and vitamin E on neurobehavioural alterations in male Wistar rats fed with Bonny light crude oil (BLCO)‐contaminated diet. Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats (160 ± 10 g) were assigned into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 received standard rat feed, Group 2 was exposed to BLCO (0.1 mL/g of rat feed) for 3 weeks, and groups 3–5 were treated with zinc (50 mg/kg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/kg), or both [vitamin E (400 IU/kg) + zinc (50 mg/kg/day)], respectively for 1 week after BLCO exposure for 3 weeks. Locomotive, anxiolytic, depressive‐like behaviours and spatial memory were assessed using the open‐field test, elevated plus maze, forced swim test and Y‐maze. Rats were sacrificed and the brain samples were collected for biochemical assays at the end of the behavioural tests. Results: Zinc and vitamin E supplementation (individually or combined) significantly increased brain total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced inflammatory markers (TNF‐alpha) and lipid peroxidation, normalized neurotransmitter levels in the brain and improved behavioural performance. Conclusion: Treatment with Zn and/or vitamin E reverses BLCO‐induced neurobehavioural alterations via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and neurotransmitters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: α-tocopherol is an antioxidant which protects tissues from oxidative stress via inhibition of free radicals production and lipid peroxidation after exposure to tissue toxicants. The potassium bromate is a food additive which causes toxic effects on tissues through generation of reactive oxygen species and impairment of antioxidant system. The current study was aimed to assess the mitigating activity of α-tocopherol on adverse effects of potassium bromate on haematological parameters and hepatic function markers in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were equally grouped into four (1-4) and respectively administered with distilled water, α-tocopherol (50mg/kg), potassium bromate (25mg/kg) and α-tocopherol (50mg/kg) + potassium bromate (25mg/kg) for twenty eight days. Blood sample of study animals was collected and employed for haematological and hepatic fucntion analysis. Results: The findings of this study showed that exposure to potassium bromate causes adverse effect on haematological parameters (erythrocyte count, haematocrit, haemoglobin, platelet count, neutrophil count, leucocyte count, lymphocyte count and monocyte count) and markers of hepatic function (ALP, ALT and AST) in the study animals. However, co-treatment with α-tocopherol showed significant mitiagtion on the adverse effect of the potassium bromate exposure. Conclusion: The potency of α-tocopherol as an antioxidant demonstrated its efficacy in mitigating the adverse effects of potassium bromate on haematological parameters and markers of hepatic tissue function. Hence, α-tocopherol may provide a possible solution to tissue toxicities mediated by exposure to potassium bromate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromolaena odorata is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine, despite its therapeutic applications, there are concerns regarding its potential toxic effects. This study investigates the dose-dependent effects C odorata on male fertility of adult male Wistar. A total of 25 male rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 5). Group A (Control), received distilled water, while groups B, C, D, and E were administered 120, 200, 500, and 700 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of C. odorata daily for 28 days respectively, after which they were sacrificed. Testicular weights, hormone levels, total protein, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated, and the testis evaluated histologically. GraphPad Prism Version 10.2 was used to analyse the data. Results were described as mean ± Standard Error of Means (S.E.M.). An unpaired t-test (at a 95% confidence level) was used to compare the values of the control and experimental groups.There was a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) in testicular weights, hormone levels (LH, FSH, Testos,), total protein concentration and a significant increase in catalase and malondialdehyde in groups D and E. Histomorphological analysis of groups D and E revealed severe structural distortions in the testis, presence of inflammatory cells, collapsed lumen with reduced luminal content, degenerating epithelium, loss of stereocilia cells, and poorly arranged connective tissue fibers. High-dose administration of C. odorata extract induces significant histomorphological damage to the testis, disrupts reproductive hormone levels, and increases oxidative stress, resulting in impaired male fertility in Wistar rats.

Objective: The deleterious effects of caffeine consumption on reproductive functions of female Wistar rats were investigated in this study., Methods: In this experimental study, 35 female Wistar rats (180-200g) were divided into 7 groups: Control, II-IV received oral caffeine (10, 20, and 40mg/kg/day respectively) for 21 days. V-VII received similar caffeine doses for 21 days, followed by a 21-day withdrawal period. The ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uteri were assessed for levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activity using spectrophotometry. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol levels were measured by ELISA. Organ histology was performed using microscopy. Statistical analysis employed ANOVA with significance at p<0.05., Results: Caffeine caused dose-dependent increases in MDA, NO, and catalase activity in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uteri which decreased upon withdrawal. GSH levels in the ovary and fallopian tubes decreased with caffeine intake but recovered during withdrawal. Caffeine reduced estradiol levels in a dose-dependent manner, its withdrawal led to reductions in serum LH at 20 and 40mg/kg/day and FSH at 40mg/kg/day. Histology revealed dose-dependent alterations in ovarian architecture with congested connective tissues. Caffeine caused sloughing of plicae in the muscularis of the fallopian tubes, degenerated epithelial layer in the uterus, and severe inflammation of the myometrial stroma cells that persisted during caffeine withdrawal., Conclusions: Caffeine consumption adversely impacted the female reproductive functions of rats, altering hormonal balance and organ structure which persisted even after caffeine withdrawal.

Background: Cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) has been linked to serious testicular damage and spermatotoxicity due to the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, the current study was carried out to assess the potential ameliorative impact of diosmin, an antioxidant drug, against DOX-mediated spermatoxicity and testicular injury in rats., Material and Methods: In the experimental protocol, rats were grouped into 4: Group 1 received vehicle and saline for 8 weeks while group 2 received diosmin and saline concomitantly for 8 weeks. Group 3 was given 3 mg/kg intraperitoneal DOX once every 7 days for 8 weeks. Group 4 was given 40 mg/kg of diosmin orally for 56 days followed by DOX diosmin administration after one hour. After 56 days of treatment, sperm quality, hormonal testing, biochemical parameters, and histological alterations in the testes were evaluated., Results: DOX-induced reduce spermatogenic function, testicular 3- and 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone. It also enhanced inflammation, testicular oxidative damage, and apoptosis. The histopathologic examinations corroborated the biochemical results obtained. Significantly, diosmin treatment reduced DOX-induced injury, as evidenced by restored testicular architecture, increased steroidogenesis, preservation of spermatogenesis, suppression of oxide-inflammatory response, and apoptosis., Conclusion: It was found that through diosmin antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxido-inflammatory it presents a possible therapeutic alternative for protecting testicular tissue against DOX's harmful effects., Competing Interests: None., (IJBMB Copyright © 2024.)