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Vol.2 No.09 -5 : Biochemical and histological studies on the possible protective impact of the herb basil (Ocimum basilicum) on adriamycin induced toxicity in rats. I. Influence on the liver.

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By : Bayomy* M.F.F., Sakr, S.A., Gendia S.E. M.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) against hepatotoxicity induced in albino rats by the anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR). The biochemical results showed that adriamycin caused significant elevation in serum ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) enzymes after 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment. It also caused an increase in malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation marker) and decrease in activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase. This drug has resulted in various histological changes in the liver. These changes include impairment of the normal structural organization of the hepatic lobules, congestion and dilatation of blood vessels, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, leucocytic infiltrations and fatty infiltration. Treating animals with ADR and basil (Ocimum basilicum) led to an improvement in both biochemical and histological changes induced by ADR. There are significant decreases in ALT and AST activity. Moreover, Ocimum basilicum reduced the level of malondialdehyde and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. In conclusion the results of the present work indicated that Ocimum basilicum had a protective effect against liver damage induced by adriamycin and this is due to antioxidant activities of some substances found in water extract of Ocimum basilicum.

5_Biochemical_and_histological_studies_on_the_possible_protective_impact_of_the_herb_basil_(Ocimum_basilicum)_on_adriamycin_induced_toxicity_in_rats_I_Influence_on_the_liver

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Vol.2 No.5 -7 : Folic acid ameliorates L-thyroxin induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.

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By : Somya Y. Shalaby¹, Saber A. Sakr¹, Ehab Tousson², Mohamed Rabea¹

Abstract

Thyroid hormones have been known to regulate the energy metabolism of most tissues including liver. Alterations in their normal levels cause some biochemical and clinical abnormalities such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The present study evaluated the effect of thyroid hormone, L-thyroxin on liver of albino rats. Additionally the ameliorating role of folic acid supplementation was investigated. Fifty male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (group I, control; group II, folic acid; group III, L-thyroxin sodium administration (100 μg/kg / body weight); group IV, L-thyroxin and folic acid group and V, recovery group). The results showed that there were a significant increase in ALT, AST, MDA and nitric oxide in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. On the other hand, a significant decrease in glutathione (GSH) in L-thyroxin treated rats as compared to control group. Histological results showed that liver sections of L-thyroxin group showed histopathological lesions such as leucocytic infiltrations, congestion of central and portal veins and cytoplasmic vacuolation of hepatocytes with the presence of pyknotic nuclei, in addition to fatty infiltration. Immunohistochemical results revealed that strong positive expression of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were detected in the liver section in L-thyroxin treated rats and recovered rats as compared to control and folic acid groups. However; mild to moderate positive expressions of PCNA, P53, and Bcl-2 were observed in rats treated with L-thyroxin and folic acid in liver section. This reflects oxidative stress associated with hyperthyroid state.

7. Folic acid ameliorates L-thyroxin induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in albino rats.

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Vol.2 No.4 -3 : Effect of garlic on toluene-induced biochemical and histopathological effects in albino rats.

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By : Zuhair Y. A1-Sahhaf1, Osama M. Sarhan1,2

Abstract

The present study aims to study the effect of garlic extract on toluene inhalation at very low dose, induced hematological, biochemical and histological alterations in liver of albino rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups.Group 1 (G1) served ascontrols,G2 given garlic aqueous extract,G3 inhaled toluene vapor and G4 given garlic plusinhalation of toluene vapor. Animals were sacrificed after 2and 4weeks of treatment. The results showed that exposing animals to toluene induced significant decrease in red blood cell count (RBCs),hemoglobin (HGB),and blood platelets (PLT).On the other hand, the hematocrit percentage (HCT) and white blood cells(WBCs) count increased. Moreover, transaminases(ALT and AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were increased in the sera of treated animals.Histological examination of liver of treated rats showed leukocytic infiltrations, congestion of blood vessels,cytoplasmic vacuolations of hepatocytes and fatty degeneration.Treated kidney in rats of G3 showed glomerular tufts congestion; renal space narrowing and epithelia of some renal tubules were degenerated with hemorrhage between them. To some extent, an improvement was observed in the kidney of the recovery group. Treating animals with garlic plus toluene caused an improvement in the biochemical and histological alterations in albino rats.It could be concluded that the protective effect of garlic may be attributed to the presence of organosulfur compounds which have antioxidant and detoxifying properties.

3. Effect of garlic on toluene-induced biochemical and histopathological effects in albino rats.

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Vol.2 No.3 -4 : Ameliorative effect of ginger extract against pathological alterations induced in mice bearing solid tumors.

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By : Osama M. Badr1, Saber A. Sakr2, Hala M. Abd-Eltawab1

Abstract

This study was prepared to explore the effect of ginger extract in defeating the Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) injected subcutaneously in mice and induced solid tumour. After the solid tumour formation; the mice were classified into four groups (control, tumour untreated, ginger and ginger & tumour). Eight mice were grouped separately in each cage. Mice were killed and dissected at the end of this investigation; liver and kidney were removed for histopathological study. The biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, Urea, Creatinine, MDA, SOD and CAT) were measured in the sera of all tested groups. Ginger extract ameliorated the histological structures of both liver and kidney to be near to control, modulated the elevated values of (ALT, AST, Urea, Creatinine and MDA) and reduced values of (SOD and CAT) to record slightly normal readings. Tumour volumes reduced significantly and the destructed genomic DNA retained the normal pattern. Ginger has no pathological effects on control mice.

4. Ameliorative effect of ginger extract against pathological alterations induced in mice bearing solid tumors.

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Vol.2 No.3 -5 : The protective effect of Coriandrum sativum L. oil against liver toxicity induced by Ibuprofen in rats.

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By : Hoda H. Baghdadi1,Fatma M.El-Demerdash2,Eman H. Radwan3, Sodfa Hussein4

Abstract

Ibuprofen (IBU) is a Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugused in the treatment of pain, fever and in inflammation.Coriandrum sativum is cultivated for its aromatic and medicinal uses. The present study aims to evaluatethe protective effect of Coriandrum sativum volatile oil on hepatotoxicityof IBU in rats. Five groups of albino rats were used.Group l(control),groupll (C.sativum oil,40 mg/kg B.W. for 14 day), group lll (IBU group,100mg/kg bodyweight B.W., for 14 day), group lV (IBU+ C.sativum oil) and groupV (recovery group).The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured in the liver of different groups addition to the histological examination of the sections of liver. The results showed that IBU caused a significant decrease in the activity of ALT and AST in the liver. The histological examination of the liver showed many pathological changes. Administration of coriander volatile oilin the combination with IBU was able to significantly increase the activity of both AST and ALT, in the liver and caused a significant decrease in the deleterious effect induced by IBU. The present results confirm that the antioxidant activity of volatile oil of the Coriandrum sativum L., against hepatotoxicity of IBU.

5. The protective effect of Coriandrum sativum L. oil against liver toxicity induced by Ibuprofen in rats.

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Vol.2 No.3 -6 : Teratogenicity of sodium fluoride on newly born rats.

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By : Abdelalim A. Gadallah1,2

Abstract

Fluoride (F) is widely used to sterile drinking water against bacterial infection as well as for normal cleaning of teeth. Although intake of low doses of fluoride is required to prevent dental caries, increased uptake for long time injured bone and soft tissues causes fluorosis (Susheela, 1999). The present study aims to illustrate the teratogenicity and histopathological alterations of fluoride in maternal liver, kidney and thyroid glands. Twenty virgin female and male albino rats of Wistar strain at ratio of 2 female/ 1male were kept under good ventilation with controlled conditions and excess food and water were supplied ad libitum. Pregnant rats were arranged into two groups (n= 6) including, control and fluoride-intoxicated group. Body weight, size and crown rump length of newly born rats were determined. The offspring 1-day old were sacrificed by light anesthesia with diethyl ether and immediately fixed in 10% formal saline. Alizarin red S preparation of both control, and experimental groups were made and the incidences of deformed bones were recorded. Histological preparations of maternal liver, kidney and thyroid glands were made and examined under bright field light microscopy. Experimental group exhibited disruption of the normal integrity of hepatic lobules with prominent centrilobular necrosis and dilatation of blood sinusoids. Perivascular leukocytic cell infiltration was remarked with bile duct obliteration. Also, peritubular inflammatory cellular infiltration associated with degeneration of renal tubular lining epithelial cells and reduction of their tubular lumina were also detected. Degeneration of the thyroid follicles with marked reduction and vacuolation of colloid. Few numbers of the thyroid follicles exhibited exfoliation of their lining cells within their follicular lumina. Inter-follicular hemorrhage and congested blood vessels were remarked. Fluoride-intoxication showed abortion of one /6 mothers. There were numerical decreases of offspring of fluoride-intoxicated mother . Increase average of congenital malformations was observed.

6. Teratogenicity of sodium fluoride on newly born rats.

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Vol.2 No.2 -2 : Effect of L-arginine on methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

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By : Ashour A – S Abdel-Mawla1, Safia M Hassan2, Ekram N Abd Al-Haleem3 and Safeyah Z El-Hangoor4

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used in the treatment of many different types of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Its cytotoxic nature also lends a substantial risk of life-threatening side effects. L-arginine is beneficial in the treatment of hepatic injury, hepatic cirrhosis and fatty liver degeneration. The present work aims to study the effect of L-arginine on hepatotoxicity of methotrexate in albino rats. Five groups of albino rats were used. Group I: control. Group II: rats were administered (MTX) in a daily oral dose of 0.45 mg/kg, for 28 days. Group III: rats were administered L-arginine in a daily oral dose of 300 mg/kg, for 28 days. Group IV: rats were received L- arginine 2 hrs before (MTX). Group V: rats were received L-arginine 2 hrs after (MTX). The results revealed different histopathological changes in liver of MTX-treated rats such as focal areas of necrosis and increased numbers of activated Kupffer cells, an apparent increase in the amount of collagen fibers and strong immunoreactive expression of α- SMA. Biochemical results revealed a significant increase in the serum levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin and decreasing the level of antioxidant enzymes. L-agrinine minimized the hepatotoxicity of MTX by decreasing the level of ALT, AST and bilirubin, MDA and increasing the antioxidant enzymes. It is concluded that L-arginine protects liver from hepatotoxicity of methotrexate and this due to its antioxidant activity.

2. Effect of L-arginine on methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

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Vol.2 No.1 -7 : Potential hepatoprotection exerted by ginseng against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

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By : Bayomy M.F.F., Abdel Samie H. A., Gendia S.E. M.

Abstract

Insecticides gained public reputation and widespread application to control the spread of different insects in various habitats. However, the deleterious effects of these chemicals could not be ignored and should be dealt seriously. The present work was conducted to test the efficacy of the natural plant ginseng in alleviating toxicity of chlorpyrifos. The organophosphorus insecticide chlorpyrifos induced hepatotoxicity and changes in some serum biochemical parameters. The liver of rats administered chlorpyrifos manifested cytoplasmic vacuolization, leucocytic infiltration, hemorrhage and remarkable dilatation of veins. The nuclear chromatin was condensed. There was a significant increase in alanin aminotransferase (ALT) while there was a significant decrease in albumin, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the serum of treated rats. Treating animals with ginseng was found in this study to alleviate hepatotoxicity and restore the levels of the tested serum parameters to nearly normal values.

7. Potential hepatoprotection exerted by ginseng against chlorpyrifos-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.

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Vol.2 No.1 -8 : Effect of metformin on histopathological and immunohistochemical changes induced by high fructose intake in liver and brain of rats.

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By : Eman Ahmed Youssef

Abstract

Fructose is widely used as a food ingredient and has the potential to increase oxidative stress and related complications. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of metformin on histopathological and immunohistochemical changes in liver and brain of rat induced by high fructose intake. Forty male albino rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups I and II served as controls. Group III received 10 % drinking fructose solution for eight weeks. Group IV was received 10 % drinking fructose solution for eight weeks and treated with metformin (320 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks of the experimental period. Rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks; liver and brain were excised and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Histopathological results: Fructose drinking manifested changes in liver and brain cerebral cortex. Liver changes were manifested as inflammation, apoptosis, dilated sinusoids, fibrosis, macrosteatosis, ballooned hepatocytes and marked collagen deposition, while brain changes were degenerating neurons, steatosis, karyorrhexis, and pyknotic nuclei in nuropil and lightly stained Nissl substance with cresyl violet. Metformin treatment eliminated histopathological changes in addition to decreased collagen deposition in liver and improved Nissl substance staining in brain. Immunohistochemical results showed increased immunostaining positivity of caspase-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS) in liver and brain in fructose group . Reduced immunoreactivity of caspase-3 and iNOS in fructose plus metformin group either in liver or brain sections. In conclusion, the results suggest that the hepatoprotective and neuroprotective role of metformin on histopathological and and immunohistochemical changes induced by fructose could be attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress.

8. Effect of metformin on histopathological and immunohistochemical changes induced by high fructose intake in liver and brain of rats.

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Vol.1 No.5 -5 : Apoptotic Marker Alternations in the Spleen of Experimentally Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Rat.

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By : Ezar Hafez; Ahmed Masoud; Magdy Barnous; Ehab Tousson

Abstract

Apoptosis plays a critical role in the development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms, especially those with high cell turnover such as the lymphoid system. The current study aimed to examined the effects of changes in thyroid hormones on apoptosis of spleen in male rats. 30 rats were equally divided into three groups (10 animals each). G1, control group in which animals did not received any treatment; G2, Hypothyroid group in which rats received 0.05% 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) in drinking water for 6 weeks; G3, Hyperthyroid group in which rats received 100 μg/Kg L-Thyroxin sodium administration in drinking water for 6 weeks. In the present study; serum T3 and T4 concentrations were depressed and serum TSH concentration was significantly elevated in rats receiving PTU-induced hypothyroidism. On the other hand; serum T3 and T4 concentrations were significantly elevated and serum TSH concentration was depressed in rats receiving L-Thyroxin sodium-induced hyperthyroidism. In the current study; spleen in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rats revealed many of abnormalities as marked disruption of spleen structure, loss in distinction between the white and red pulps, degeneration and vacuolation with an increased in the lymphocyte population. Also, a significant increase in p53 and Caspase3 apoptotic cells and a significant decrease in Bcl-2 antiapoptotic cells in the spleen tissues revealed the possibility of the apoptosis occurrence after PTU or Thyroxin administration in the case of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

5. Apoptotic Marker Alternations in the Spleen of Experimentally Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Rat.

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