Protective effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead

Background: Some medicinal plants with their antioxidant properties have protective effects on sperm parameters and neutralize the harmful effects of lead exposure. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effects of Melissa on sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in adult rats exposed to lead. Methods: This animal experimental study was conducted on 45 male Wistar rats weighing 180 ± 20 g, which were allocated randomly into five groups (n=9): distilled water gavages (control) (0.5 ml); intraperitoneal distilled water (i.p. control) (0.5 ml); Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw); lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw); and lead acetate (10 mg/kg/bw) plus Melissa (100 mg/kg/bw). After a 30-day treatment, the animals were sacrificed. Sperm parameters (count, motility, morphology, and chromatins assay) and weighing of the epididymis and testis were performed. Results: The results showed that in the lead acetate plus Melissa group, epididymis weight (0.37gr vs. 0.32gr), testis weight (1.40 vs. 1.28g), sperm motility (4.44% vs. 33.2 %(and viable sperm (90 vs. 50) were higher than the lead group. However, testicular weight, normal morphology, and DNA percentage showed insignificant differences among the study groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate the protective effects of Melissa officinalis on some sperm parameters and spermatogenesis quality in rats exposed to lead

Assessment of the protective effect of vitamin E on the quality of spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in rats exposed to lead

Background and aims: Vitamins are a rich source of antioxidants that can neutralize the harmful effects of lead on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of vitamin E on spermatogenesis and sperm parameters in lead-exposed rats. Methods: This is an experimental study on 45 male Wistar that were allocated to 5 groups: distilled water gavage, intraperitoneal distilled water, vitamin E, lead, and lead+ vitamin E. All the rats were exposed to lead for 30 days. Then, the rats were sacrificed and sperm count, motility and morphology of sperm chromatin, and epididymitis and testis weight were investigated. Results: The findings showed significant differences in weight gain, epididymitis weight, sperm death, the highest mobility of sperm among the groups (P>0.05). Vitamin E and control (gavage) rats experienced more weight than other groups. There was a significant difference in the highest mobility of sperm between peritoneal control group and other groups (P0.05). There was a significant difference in sperm death between lead group, and the control groups and vitamin E group (P>0.05) with the least sperm death. Vitamin E group had a significantly lower sperm death than other groups. There was no significant difference in the testis weight, normal morphology, and normal DNA among the groups (P<0.05). Vitamin E had noticeable effects on gaining weight, epididymitis weight, and survived sperm, and a noticeable reducing effect on lead's harmful side effects on the sperm. Conclusions: The results indicate the protective effects of vitamin E on spermatogenesis quality and some sperm parameters in rats exposed to lead

Toksikopatološke promjene izazvane kombiniranom izloženosti buci i toluenu u novozelandskih bijelih kunića

Noise and toluene can have significant adverse effects on different systems in the human body, but little is known about their combination. The aim of this study was to see how their combined action reflects on serum levels of inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), body weight, and pathological changes in the heart, lung, stomach, and spleen tissues. To do that we exposed New Zealand rabbits to 1000 mg/L toluene and 100 dB of white noise in a chamber specifically designed for the purpose over two consecutive weeks. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas Bax and Bcl-2 expressions in tissues were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Noise and toluene changed TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels on different days following the end of exposure and significantly increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the lung and spleen. In addition, they induced different pathological changes in the heart, lung, spleen, and stomach tissues. This study has confirmed that exposure to noise and toluene can induce a range of toxicopathological changes, probably by inducing inflammatory pathways and apoptosis, but their combined effects look weaker than those of its components, although histopathological findings suggest the opposite.Buka i toluen mogu prouzročiti značajne štetne posljedice u različitim organskim sustavima u ljudi, ali je malo poznato kako djeluju zajedno. Stoga je cilj ovog istraživanja bio utvrditi kako izloženost njihovoj kombinaciji utječe na razine upalnih citokina u serumu [tumorskoga nekrotskog čimbenika alfa (TNF-α) i interleukina 1 beta (IL-1β)], na tjelesnu masu te na apoptotske i histopatološke promjene na srčanom, plućnom, želudčanom i slezenskom tkivu. U tu smo svrhu novozelandske kuniće izložili buci (100 dB) i/ili toluenu (1000 mg/L) u posebnoj komori u neprekidnom trajanju od dva tjedna. Razine TNF-α i IL-1β izmjerene su u 14 dana nakon svršetka izloženosti pomoću imunoenzimske metode ELISA, a ekspresije proteina Bax i Bcl-2 povezanih s apoptozom pomoću kvantitativne polimerazne lančane reakcije (engl. real-time polymerase chain reaction, PCR). Buka i toluen, zasebno i u kombinaciji, doveli su do različitih promjena razina TNF-α i IL-1β u serumu te značajno povećali omjer proteina Bax/Bcl-2 u plućima i slezeni. Usto su prouzročili različite patološke promjene u srčanom, plućnom, slezenskom i želučanom tkivu. Istraživanje je potvrdilo da izloženost buci i toluenu dovodi do cijelog niza toksikopatoloških promjena, vjerojatno tako što pokreće upalne putove i mehanizme apoptoze. Također se doima da kombinirana izloženost ima slabije djelovanje od djelovanja svake sastavnice zasebno, premda histopatološki nalazi upućuju na suprotno

Is there a value for probiotic supplements in gestational diabetes mellitus? A randomized clinical trial

Background: Although several studies have found probiotics encouraging in prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the evidence for the use of probiotics in diagnosed GDM is largely limited. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a probiotic supplement capsule containing four bacterial strains on glucose metabolism indices and weight changes in women with newly diagnosed GDM. Methods: Sixty-four pregnant women with GDM were enrolled into a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic or placebo capsule along with dietary advice for eight consecutive weeks. The trend of weight gain along with glucose metabolism indices was assayed. Results: During the first 6 weeks of the study, the weight gain trend was similar between the groups. However, in the last 2 weeks of the study, the weight gain in the probiotic group was significantly lower than in the placebo group (p &lt; 0.05). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) decreased in both intervention (from 103.7 to 88.4 mg/dl) and control (from 100.9 to 93.6 mg/dl) groups significantly, and the decrease in the probiotic group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p &lt; 0.05). Insulin resistance index in the probiotic group had 6.74 % reduction over the study period (p &lt; 0.05). In the placebo group, however, there was an increase in insulin resistance index (6.45 %), but the observed change in insulin resistance was not statistically significant. Insulin sensitivity index was increased in both groups. The post-intervention insulin sensitivity index in the probiotic group was not significantly different from placebo when adjusted for the baseline levels. Conclusions: The probiotic supplement appeared to affect glucose metabolism and weight gain among pregnant women with GDM. This needs to be confirmed in other settings before a therapeutic value could be approved

Electrosprayed Nanoparticles Containing Hydroalcoholic Extract of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Stimulates Immune System by Increasing Inflammatory Factors in Male Wistar Rats

Purpose: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is a member of the Asteraceae family and is traditionally used mainly due to its immunostimulatory properties. Various compounds including alkylamides and chicoric acid were reported as active ingredients of E. purpurea. Here, we aimed to prepare electrosprayed nanoparticles (NPs) containing hydroalcoholic extract of E. purpurea using Eudragit RS100 (EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs) to improve the immunomodulatory effects of the extract. Methods: The EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs with the different extract:polymer ratios and solution concentrations were prepared using the electrospray technique. The size and morphology of the NPs were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). To evaluate the immune responses, male Wistar rats were administrated with the prepared EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs and plain extract in the final dose of 30 or 100 mg/kg. The blood samples of the animals were collected and the inflammatory factors and complete blood count (CBC) were investigated. Results: In vivo studies indicated that the plain extract and EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs (100 mg/kg) significantly increased the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1-β (IL1-β) whereas the EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs (30 mg/kg) significantly increased the number of white blood cells (WBCs) compared to the control group. Lymphocytes’ count in all groups was increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05) whereas other CBC parameters remained unchanged. Conclusion: The prepared EP-Eudragit RS100 NPs by electrospray technique caused significant reinforcement in the immunostimulatory effects of the extract of E. purpurea

Effects of Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Seed and Peel Methanolic Extracts on Oxidative Stress and Lipid Profile Changes Induced by Methotrexate in Rats

Purpose: Methotrexate (MTX) is prescribed in many diseases and can result in oxidative stress (OS) followed by injuries in some tissues. Antioxidants administration are effective in reducing OS. Pomegranate exhibits high anti-oxidant capacities. This study investigated whether pomegranate seed and peel methanolic extracts (PSE and PPE) could protect against MTX-induced OS and lipid profile changes in rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (normal salin), PSE group (500 mg/kg, orally), PPE group (500 mg/kg, orally), MTX group (10 mg/kg, IM), MTX and PSE group, and MTX and PPE group. Blood samples were taken for analysis in the end of the procedure. Results: The findings showed a significant reduction in Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an enhancement in malondialdehyde (MDA) values after MTX treatment (p < 0.05). SOD and GPx levels reached the levels of the control group in MTX+SPE and MTX+PPE groups. No significant differences were observed in catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels between groups. The results showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the MTX treated group (p < 0.01). The values of TC, HDL, and LDL became elevated to the normal control levels in the MTX+PSE and MTX+PPE treated groups. Conclusion: The results showed the OS induced by MTX and the protective effects of PSE and PPE against MTX-induced serum oxidative stress and lipid profile changes in rats

Protective Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on DNA Damage Induced by Cigarette Smoking

The study examined the influence of fish oil (FO) supplementation on serum 8-hydroxy-2\u2019-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels as indicated by DNA damage markers and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) among male cigarette smokers. This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study was conducted among healthy cigarette smokers (n=40) who were part of a larger prospective cohort study. Twenty smokers were randomly selected to receive FO for 3 months (1 g/day), and another 20 smokers received a placebo for 3 months; 8-OHdG and TAC levels were measured in blood samples before and after the intervention. Serum 8-OHdG significantly decreased (p=0.001) and TAC increased (p&lt;0.001) after 3 months of treatment with FO. Between baseline and endline, the difference in 8-OHdG significantly correlated with the difference in TAC among smokers who received FO (r=-0.540, p=0.014). The study provides evidence that FO supplementation can modify decreased antioxidants and increased oxidative DNA damage in cigarette smokers

The Effects of Cornus mas Hydro-Methanolic Extract on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Background: Cisplatin (Cis) is a chemotherapeutic agent and nephrotoxicity is a serious adverse effect of the drug. This study investigated the protective effects of Cornus mas fruit hydro-methanolic extract (CME) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into the control group, CME group, CME 300 + Cis group, CME 700 + Cis group, and Cis group. After the intervention samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: The CME analysis showed considerable total antioxidant and total phenol contents. The blood serum urea and creatinine increased (p 0.05). The renal MDA levels of the Cis and CME 300 + Cis groups decreased significantly in comparison to the control and the CME groups (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). In the histopathological examination, mild to severe degeneration was observed in the Cis group. Despite the presence of mild degeneration, they were less severe in the Cis + CME groups, and maintained a better morphology when compared to the Cis group (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results showed renoprotective effects of CME against Cis-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Anti-CD24 bio Modified PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles as Targeted Computed Tomography Contrast Agent

Purpose: Molecular imaging is one of the import methods for recognition of cancer at the early stage in order to enhance the capacity of remedy. This study was aimed to introduce a new contrast agent that was targeted with CD24 so as to improve the CT scan detection of cancer cells with higher CD24 expression. Methods: The surface modifications of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) were done with long PEG (HS-PEG-CH3O) and short PEG (HS-PEG-COOH) chains to enhance their stability and capacity for immobilization of different antibodies. MTT assay was carried out to assess the biocompatibility of the NPs. The obtained contrast agent was implemented in the targeted CT imaging based on in vitro and in vivo studies of breast cancer. Results: The results revealed that the attached CD24 to the cell surface of PEGylated Au-NPs could enhance significantly the cells CT number (40.45 HU in 4T1, while it was 16.61 HU in CT26) It was shown that the attenuation coefficient of the molecularly targeted cells was more than 2 times excessive than the control groups. Further, the tumor region in model of xenograft tumor has higher density compare to the omnipaque groups, 60 min after injection (45 Hu vs.81 Hu). These results showed that the nanoparticles stayed in tumor region for longer time. Conclusion: It is predicted that the synthesized nanoparticle can be used as computed tomography contrast agent. Also, it can be used to identify the tumor cells with higher expression of CD24 at the early stages more efficiently compare to the other routine methods