Search

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases is a primary health concern. Recent studies have demonstrated that high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity could lead to cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, fibrosis and even heart failure. Quercetin (Q) is a common nontoxic polyphenol having a broad range of pharmacological and biological activities. The present study aimed at evaluating the histological and ultrastructural effects of high fat diet on cardiac muscle of adult male albino rat and the possible protective role of quercetin.Materials and Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were used and divided into four groups. Group I: Control group (10% of energy from fat). Group II: Quercetin group (10% of energy from fat + 60 mg/kg quercetin). Group III: HFD group (60% of energy from fat). Group IV: HFDQ group (60% of energy from fat + 60 mg/kg quercetin).At the end of experiment after12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, and hearts were taken and processed for light (H&E and Mallory’s trichrome stains) and electron microscopic examination. Histological, morphometric and statistical studies were performed. Results: Sections from rats of group III showed widely separated cardiomyocytes, some atrophic degenerated fibers, vacuoles in the cytoplasm, engorged capillaries and marked increase in collagen deposition. Electron microscopic examination showed disorganized fragmented myofibrils, few swollen mitochondria and bizarre indented nuclei. Sections from rats of group IV revealed obvious improvement of the previous alterations. There was highly statistically significant difference between group I and group III and between group II and group III as regard collagen area percent. Conclusion: The results obtained from the current study confirmed the negative influence of high fat diet intake on cardiomyocytes. Concomitant administration of quercetin markedly improved myocardial damage so, it could be used as an effective cardioprotective agent against hyperlipidemia and aging insults.

Background: Amiodarone is a highly effective and class III antiarrhythmic drug. It can be used to treat wide range of arrhythmias. However, it is markedly concentrated in tissues leading to multiple adverse effects mainly on thyroid gland. The concomitant use of vitamin E with amiodarone in treatment of arrhythmias can ameliorate the hazardous effects of amiodarone on thyroid glandAim of work: The aim of this work is to study the histological and ultrastructural effects of amiodarone as antiarrhythmic drug on the thyroid gland, as well as the ability of vitamin E to protect against amiodarone induced thyroid damage.Material and methods: Thirty adult male albino rats (weighing 150-200 g), were used in the study. Rats were divided into three groups (10 per group): Group A (Control group); Group B (Amiodarone treated group) and Group C (Amiodarone + Vitamin E treated group). Rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks of amiodarone administration. Thyroid gland was examined histologically and ultrastructurally.Results: Histological and ultrastructure examination of thyroid glands of rats treated with amiodarone showed disorganized follicles. Follicular epithelium showed focal disruption and desquamation. The interfollicular tissue showed increased collagen deposition. Electron microscopic examination revealed irregular nuclei, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and swollen mitochondria. Concomitant administration of vitamin E showed marked amelioration of hazardous effects of amiodarone with improved histologic and ultrastructural signsConclusion: Amiodarone induces damage of the thyroid gland. Administration of vitamin E protects the thyroid gland and attenuates histopathological changes induced by amiodarone.

Background: Methanol poisoning frequently occurs via oral ingestion of adulterated spirits as ethanol substitutes. Retina is particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of methanol. Ethanol is frequently used for treatment where prompt management is crucial to avoid irreversible ocular damage.Aim of the work: The aim of this work is to study the histological and ultrastructural effect of methanol intoxication on the retina, as well as the ability of ethanol to protect against methanol induced retinal damage.Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats, were used in the study. Rats were divided into three groups (n=10 per group): Group 1 (Control group); Group 2 (Methanol treated group) and Group 3 (Methanol + Ethanol treated group). Rats were sacrificed after 24 hours of methanol administration. Retinae were examined histologically and ultrastructurally.Results: Histological and ultrastructure examination of the retina of rats treated with methanol showed marked edema of all layers, disorganized nuclear layers and decreased number of ganglion cells. Electron microscopic examination revealed fragmented outer segment, disorganized inner segment. Administration of ethanol in methanol intoxicated rats resulted in preservation of retinal structure with marked attenuation of methanol induced retinal damage.Conclusions: Methanol poisoning induces damage of the retina. Administration of ethanol protects the retina and attenuates histopathological changes induced by methanol.