Supplementary Material for: Morus alba L. Stem Extract Attenuates Pain and Articular Cartilage Damage in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection-Induced Rat Model of Osteoarthritis

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> This study was designed to investigate the anti-nociceptive effect of <i>Morus alba</i> stem extract as well as its cartilage protective effect in the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced rat model of osteoarthritis (OA). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The anti-nociceptive effect of this plant extract was determined by measuring hind limb weight bearing, while the severity of cartilage damage to the knee joints was evaluated using the modified Mankin grading system. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Oral administration of <i>M. alba</i> stem extract (56 and 560 mg/kg) significantly attenuated joint pain as indicated by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the values of percent weight borne on the operated hind limb for the OA-induced groups that received <i>M. alba</i> stem extract at 56 and 560 mg/kg when compared to those of the vehicle-treated OA-induced group. In addition, a significant improvement in the Mankin score was also observed in rats treated with 560 mg/kg<i> M. alba</i> stem extract, which was in agreement with its pain-relieving effect. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The results showed that <i>M. alba</i> stem extract exhibited an anti-nociceptive effect as well as cartilage protection in the ACLT-induced rat model of OA, supporting its potential use as a therapeutic treatment for OA

Supplementary Material for: Effects of Iron Chelators on Pulmonary Iron Overload and Oxidative Stress in β-Thalassemic Mice

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> To evaluate the effect of iron chelators on iron-related pulmonary pathology and oxidative stress in an animal model of β-thalassemia. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Pulmonary iron overload was induced in heterozygous β-globin knockout mice (^muβ^th-3/+, BKO). Over a period of 2 weeks, 180 mg of iron/mouse was loaded by intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran, and subsequently treated daily via intraperitoneal with either deferoxamine (DF) or deferiprone (L1) at an equimolar concentration of iron binding (0.2 and 0.6 μmol/g body weight, respectively) for 7 days. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Iron loading resulted in iron deposition in peribronchial regions, septa and also in alveolar macrophages with a grading score of 3. This iron burden resulted in lung epithelial injuries, fibrosis and corresponded with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased tissue catalase activity. Treatment with DF or L1 resulted in a reduction of iron-laden alveolar macrophages and decreased oxidative stress and tissue damage, showing the iron mobilizing ability of both compounds. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Iron chelation therapy, with DF and L1, may protect against pulmonary damage by sequestering catalytic iron and improving oxidative status. It may be beneficial in the prevention of pulmonary complications in thalassemia