Search

Introduction: 7,12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) is a harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon derivative known for its cytotoxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects in mammals and other species. Annona muricata, L. (Graviola; GRV) is a tropical fruit tree traditionally well-documented for its various medicinal benefits. This investigation is the first report on the potential antioxidant and antinfammatory reno-protective impact of GRV against DMBAinduced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Forty male albino rats were allocated into four equal groups (n = 10). The 1st group served as the control, the 2nd group (GRV) was gastro-gavaged with GRV (200 mg/kg b.wt), the 3rd group (DMBA) was treated with a single dose of DMBA (15 mg/kg body weight), and the 4th group (DMBA + GRV) was gastrogavaged with a single dose of DMBA, followed by GRV (200 mg/kg b.wt). The GRV administration was continued for 8 weeks. Results and Discussion: Results revealed a significant improvement in renal function, represented by a decrease in urea, creatinine, and uric acid (UA) in the DMBA + GRV group. The antioxidant potential of GRV was confirmed in the DMBA + GRV group by a significant decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a significant increase in catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S transferase (GST), and reduced glutathione (GSH) compared toDMBA-intoxicated rats; however, it was not identical to the control. Additionally, the antiinflammatory role of GRV was suggested by a significant decline in mRNA expression of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily e, polypeptide 1 (CYP2E1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) in the DMBA + GRV group. Moreover, GRV improved the histopathologic and immunohistochemical expression of TNF-a, CYP450, and IL1ß in DMBA-intoxicated kidney tissue. Conclusively, GRV is a natural medicinal product that can alleviate the renal injury resulting from environmental exposure to DMBA. The reno-protective effects of GRV may involve its anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant properties, which are based on the presence of phytochemical compounds such as acetogenins, alkaloids, and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive effects of several dietary fats (margarine, ghee, and olive oil) on female rabbits were studied. For that purpose, 40 mature female rabbits were designed into four groups of ten rabbits each. Group I was given a control diet, Group II received 10% margarine, Group III received 10% ghee, and Group IV received 10% olive oil; after two months, all rabbits were sacrificed. Lipid profile and reproductive hormones levels were assayed in serum besides ovarian antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, ovarian tissue was examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry of estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, and caspase 3. Our data revealed that the margarine significantly (p < 0.05) increased lipid profile and malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which decreased in olive oil and ghee compared to the control. In addition, serum FSH and estrogen (estradiol (E2)) were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the group treated with margarine. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in ovarian superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in the margarine-treated group. In contrast, SOD and MDA showed a significant (p > 0.05) increase in the olive oil and ghee- treated group compared to the control group. At the same time, there was a significant increase in serum FSH and (estradiol (E2)) in the ghee and olive oil groups, respectively, compared to the control. The margarine feed group showed moderate immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and strong caspase 3, while ghee and olive oil showed strong immunoreaction of estrogen, FSH, LH receptor, and mild immunoreaction of caspase 3 in ovarian tissue. Photomicrograph of rabbit ovarian tissue showed vacuolation in small and growing follicles in the margarine group but appeared normal in ghee and the olive oil-treated group. In conclusion, based on these results, olive oil and ghee have a strong capability of enhancing lipid profile, antioxidant status, and female hormonal functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study was designed to determine the spatiotemporal pattern of different lectins in developing rat kidneys postnatally, which was unprecedented before. We used immunohistochemistry to examine the localization of three different lectins, Concanavalin (Con A), Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and Peanut agglutinin (PNA), in rat kidneys of both sexes at neonatal day 1 and postnatal 1, 2, and 8 weeks. The intensity of the Con A lectin decreased with age, from intense at birth to moderate in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and absent in the distal convoluted tubules (DCT) by 8 weeks. Renal corpuscles showed intense reactions to Con A in immature glomeruli at birth and intense reactivity in podocytes at 8 weeks of age in rats. Con A was intense in collecting tubules (CT) and collecting ducts (CD) of all ages. The intensity of the WGA lectin increased with age, from no reaction at birth to moderate reactions in PCT and DCT at 8 weeks. WGA was intense in immature glomeruli at birth, but only in podocytes at 8 weeks. The CT and CD showed mild to moderate reactions to WGA in all ages of rat kidneys. The PNA lectin in PCT decreased in intensity with age, from a moderate reaction at birth to no reaction at 2 and 8 weeks. The PNA lectin in DCT increased in intensity with age, from a moderate reaction at birth to an intense reaction at 8 weeks. The PNA in the renal corpuscle decreased in intensity with age, from a moderate reaction in immature glomeruli at birth to no reaction at other ages. The CT and CD showed an intense reaction to PNA in all ages of rat kidneys. We conclude that there were differences in the lectin distribution and intensity between developing and adult rat kidneys, and this variation may be related to the function of each lectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our present study is to determine the spatial pattern of different lectins and E-cadherin in the duck kidney, which has never been done before. We checked the localization of six different lectins in the adult duck kidney of both sexes by histochemistry using Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA), Peanut agglutinin (PNA), Dolichos Biflorus Agglutinin (DBA), Concanavalin (Con A) and Griffonia simplicifolia agglutinin-I (GSA-I). We found different locations of lectins in the duck nephron and this difference may be related to the function of each lectin. The WGA lectin had intense reactions in the proximal and distal convoluted tubules (PCT and DCT) but was not present in the renal corpuscle of the renal cortex. WGA was also intense in the medulla, especially in the collecting ducts (CD) and collecting tubules (CT). RCA was intense in the renal corpuscle, renal cortex tubules, and medulla tubules. PNA was moderate in the tubules of the renal cortex and renal corpuscle, while in the medulla, PNA had an intense reaction. Con A, GSA-I, and DBA lectins had moderate reactions in the tubules of the renal cortex and medulla. GSA-I had a moderate reaction in renal corpuscles compared to Con A and DBA, which had only mild reactions. E-cadherin, which is responsible for maintaining cell polarity, was located in the lateral epithelial cells of all tubes and ducts in the renal cortex and medulla and was not present in the renal corpuscle. There are no previous studies describing the location of different lectins and E-cadherin in duck kidneys. Our study clarifies the distribution pattern of various lectins and E-cadherin, which may be useful for comprehending how these lectins and E-cadherin work in the duck kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the present study was undertaken to compare between the camel kidney with that of cat kidney. Camels are herbivors animal while cat are carinvors animals for this reason the difference in kidney was studied by lectins histochemistry to meet the physiological needs difference such as feeding . Samples were collected from camel and cat and processed for investigation. Lectins were studied in kidneys using concanavalin (Con A), ulex europeus agglutinin (UEA), ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA),wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and soybean agglutinin (SBA). Con A appeared moderate reactivity in bowman capsule, Podocytes and distal convulated tubules (DCT) in camel kidney while cat kidney showed no reactivity in bowman capsule, pedocytes, intense in glomerual capillaries, DCT and mild in proximal convulated tubule (PCT). UEA was moderate intensity in bowman capsule, podocytes, DCT in camel and cat kidney. WGA was intense in Bowman capsule of camel kiney while no signal in cat kidney. RCA was showed moderate reactivity in bowman capsule and surrounding tunbules of camel kidney while cat kidney was showed intense reactivity in proximal and distal tubules. SBA showed intense signal in podcytes and moderates in surrounding tubues of camel kidney while cat kidney showed intense in bownan capsule and moderate in surrounding tubules . Therefore, using Con A, UEA, WGA, RCA and SBA in kidney can propose that some lectins had different location in kidney and we can understand the functions of this lectins among species. We speculated that it may be critical to understand the various localization of lectins in different nephron parts of camel and cat kidney. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lectins are hormone consists of carbohydrate binding proteins that perceive explicit epitopes present on certain glycoproteins and play roles in metabolism. Materials and Methods: Here we examined the localization of two different lectins, ghrelin and jacalin, in rat kidney of both sexes at neonatal 20 days and postnatal 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks by immunohistochemistry. Results: Ghrelin and jacalin were found in the intrarenal kidney from neonatal day 20. Ghrelin immunoreactivity was mild in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT), slightly stronger in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT), and absent in the renal corpuscle (RC). In contrast, jacalin immunoreactivity was intense in the RC but absent in the PCT and DCT. At postnatal one week, the ghrelin intensity increased and started to appear in the glomerular capillary of the RC and collecting duct (CD), while the jacalin immunoreactivity was intense in the RC, collecting tubules (CT), and loop of Henle. At postnatal two weeks, ghrelin immunoreactivity was intense in the DCT, CT, and loop of Henle, while jacalin immunoreactivity was intense in the RC, CD, and CT. It was also high in the DCT but mild in the PCT. From four weeks until 12 weeks, the localization of the two lectins was the same, and the immunoreactivity increased with age. Conlusions: Our research elucidates the neonatal and postnatal intra-renal localization of ghrelin and jacalin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black rats act as a reservoir host for many human and animal diseases; therefore, we encouraged to study the prevalence of the parasites in rats. This study investigated the internal and external parasites of 45 trapped rats in the period between May 2018 and April 2019 from El-Behera Governorate, the western region of Nile Delta, Egypt. All Rattus rattus rats were examined parasitologically to detect the prescence of parasites and their effects on the tissue. The prevalence was 82.2% for internal parasites and 44.4% for flea. The prevalence showed a high infection rate of nematodes infection with 66.66% and the detected species were Syphacia muris and Gongylonema neoplasticum. Syphacia muris was detected in 57.78% and Gongylonema neoplasticum was detected in 26.67% while 8.89% of rats only were reported with mixed infection with the two species of nematodes. The infection with Trematoda (Mesostephanus spp.) was 24.44%. Cestoda had the lowest infection rate of 11.11% which was reported as Cysticercous fasciolaris. Concerning the locality, the prevalence of parasites was highest in El- Dalangat (35.56%) and lowest in Damanhour (17.78%). Concerning the effect on host tissues, intestinal villi of rats showed desquamation of the lining epithelium and leukocytic infiltration in lamina propria. In the liver, the larva of C. fasciolaris was appeared attached to the hepatic tissue surrounded with a very thin membranous structure. This study presented the prevalence of the parasites, their identification in black rats, and histopathological changes in some infected tissues. These results may be of value for public health or veterinary interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the potential mechanism(s) and the signaling pathway(s) underlying the prophylactic effect of proanthocyanidin extract (PE) against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 32 male albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Control rats were orally administrated normal saline. Rats in the second group were orally administrated PE (50 mg/kg bw/once daily) for 4 weeks. Rats in the third group were intraperitoneally injected with DOX (10 mg/kg on Days 3, 9, 15, and 21 of the experiment). Rats in the fourth group were injected with DOX and PE simultaneously for 4 weeks. DOX significantly augmented the levels of serum heart damage biomarkers. In addition, histopathology indicated that DOX‐induced cardiac tissue injury upregulated the expression of fibrogenic factors, alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐ β1), and p16INK4A. Downregulation of cell proliferation markers, cyclin‐dependent kinase‐4 (CDK4), and retinoblastoma (Rb) was also observed. Furthermore, DOX‐induced oxidative and inflammatory stress resulted in increased cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Decreased cardiac glutathione (GSH) levels and enzyme activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were observed. Treatment of DOX‐induced rat cardiotoxicity with PE normalized serum parameters for the aforementioned parameters and alleviated cardiac tissue structure. Furthermore, reduced cardiac tissue α‐SMA and TGF‐β1, and increased CDK4 and Rb protein expression, along with the amelioration of oxidative and inflammatory effects were observed. PE attenuates DOX‐induced cardiomyocyte inflammation possibly by attenuating the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐ kB) signaling pathway. These results indicate that PE may be useful as a preventative agent against DOX‐induced cardiac toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, the impact of natural ghee, olive oil and synthetic margarine on the fertility parameters of male rabbits was evaluated by examining semen quality, fertility hormones, antioxidant markers, lipid profile, and liver and kidney functions. Eighty male rabbits were randomly allotted into four groups (20 rabbits each, four replicates/group). The basal diet supplemented the control group; the margarine group was fed a 10% margarine diet, the ghee group was fed a 10% ghee diet, and the olive oil group was fed a 10% olive oil diet. In the margarine group, the semen quality parameters, total testosterone levels, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and antioxidant enzyme levels as catalase showed a significant reduction compared to other groups. At the same time, they were enhanced in ghee and olive oil groups. A substantial increase of triglyceride (TAG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, with a decrease of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, were observed in the margarine group contrasted to ghee and olive oil groups. The ghee and the olive oil‐treated group showed strong immunoreactions of androgen, FSH, LH receptors and mild caspase 3 in testicular tissue compared to the margarine‐treated group. Finally, histopathological examination of rabbit testicular tissue showed proliferation of basal spermatogenic cells, increased luminal spermatid of seminiferous epithelium, and proliferation of interstitial cells in normal interstitial tissue in the ghee and olive oil treated group. Still, it showed severe vacuolation and necrosis in the basal luminal seminiferous epithelium and congestion of blood vessels in the margarine group. This present study revealed that the health influence of olive oil and ghee is better than margarine on male fertility parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Feed cost represents about 70% of the total production costs of rabbit farms. There is little research on the usage of Berseem and Fenugreek seeds as substitutes for soybeans in rabbit diets. The current investigation was conducted to assess the influence of dietary inclusion of Fenugreek and/or Berseem seeds at varying levels as a substitute for soybean meal on reproductive performance, milk production, maternal behaviour, economic efficiency, mammary gland and ovarian histology, and relative expression of reproductive genes of New Zealand White rabbit does. Eighty fully grown New Zealand White does weighing between 2.75 and 3.00 kg live weight and aged 5–6 months old were utilized. Rabbits were allocated into four groups (20 rabbits/group): control group (basal diet), T1 (5% fenugreek), T2 (15% Berseem seeds), and T3 (2.5% Fenugreek with 7.5% Berseem seeds). We noticed that the dietary inclusion of Fenugreek and/or Berseem seeds significantly improved weight and total weight gain of litters. The increased body weight and decreased feed costs were accompanied by improved return parameters, including total return, net return economic efficiency, and relative economic efficiency, particularly in the T2 and T3 groups. Moreover, milk yield was increased in treated groups compared with those fed basal diet. The improved milk yield was associated with the enhancement of mRNA expression of the prolactin gene and improved mammary morphological characteristics, especially in the T1 group. Indeed, a rabbit does in T2 group revealed an earlier nest building, a higher nest quality, and an increased willingness to nurse. While those in T1 group presented the highest percentages of kits with full bellies. Interestingly, T2 and T3 had large mature follicles (preovulatory follicles) and few numbers of small follicles which was associated with a marked upregulation of mRNA levels of follicular stimulating hormone gene. It would be concluded that the dietary inclusion of Berseem seeds as a complete or partial replacement for soybean in New Zealand white rabbits' diet could be used to enhance the growth performance of litter and improve doe's milk production, maternal behaviour, and economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]