Evaluation the multi-organs toxicity of methamphetamine (METH) in rats

Methamphetamine (METH) is a high stimulant for the nervous system, which is widely abused. Clinical reports indicated that METH has damaging effects on many organs. This study was done to assess the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and hematotoxicity of METH in rat model. Different doses of METH were used to assess its toxic effects on the liver, kidney and blood in rat model. To evaluate toxicity, serum biochemical markers such as ALT, AST, ALP, Cr, BUN, antioxidant parameters, histopathological examination as well as blood parameters were measured. Administration of METH significantly increased the liver enzymes and induced oxidative damage in the liver, which confirmed by histopathology. Also, in the kidney, minor increases in BUN and Cr and slight oxidative damage were observed. In the blood, METH-induced reduced WBC level and slightly increased RBC and platelet concentrations and RBC indexes. Also, the total antioxidant capacity of the blood dropped. Our finding showed severe liver damage and relatively less kidney damage as well as changes in blood parameters due to methamphetamine administration. Also, this study confirmed that oxidative stress plays key roles in the METH-induced damage. © 2019 Société Française de Toxicologie Analytiqu

Evaluation the Healing Potential of Oleuropein on Second-Degree Burn Wounds in a Rat Model

Background: Skin burn is one of the most common complications throughout the world. Olive derivatives have been used for the treatment of skin lesions in Iran. Oleuropein is one of the main constituents of olive leaves. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the healing effects of oleuropein cream on second-degree burns wounds in a rat model. Methods: This experimental study was performed on 72 male Wistar rats. Superficial second-degree burns were induced in the hairless back of the animals. Then, they were randomly divided into six equal groups. The burnt area in the first group was covered twice a day with normal saline, in the second group with eucerin, in the third group with 1 silver sulfadiazine and in the fourthsixth groups, oleuropein cream was applied topically. To evaluate the efficacy of treatment, four rats in each group were euthanized on days 4, 9, and 14, and their skin was processed for wound contraction, glutathione (GSH) level, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, hydroxyproline (HP) content, inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor beta TGF-beta and interleukin 6 IL-6), and histological examination. Results: In comparison with untreated control rats, the daily application of 5% oleuropein cream significantly increased wound contraction, HP content, and GSH level over time. Moreover, it caused a significant reduction in inflammatory factors and MDA level. Histological examination confirmed the results. Conclusions: This study indicated that oleuropein has therapeutic value in treating burn wounds and thus supports its traditional use

Haloperidol's effect on the expressions of TGFB, NT-3, and BDNF genes in cultured rat microglia

Introduction: Microglia, small glial cells, i.e. mesodermal in origin and found in the brain and spinal cord, play a key role in the maintenance of neurons and immune defense. Haloperidol, an antipsychotic drug, is used to treat numerous neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Its mechanism is not understood; however, haloperidol may result in Wnt signaling pathway activation. This study aimed to activate the Wnt signaling pathway using haloperidol and determining the effect of GSK3 inhibition on the expression of TGFB, NT-3, and BDNF genes in cultured rat microglia. Methods: Microglia isolation was conducted, and the immunohistochemistry technique was performed to confirm microglia purity. The RNA extraction was followed by cDNA synthesis. Real-time RT-PCR was used to evaluate any significant changes in the expression level of these genes. Results: The three gene expressions in microglia were proportional to the different concentrations of the drug. More concentration of drugs resulted in higher levels of expression of these genes. Besides, the haloperidol did not affect the expression of the beta-actin gene as the reference gene. Conclusion: The obtained results supported the beneficial use of haloperidol in targeted microglia therapy. This study can be a breakthrough in neurology research. © 2020 Iran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved