Combination of vitamin E and L-carnitine is superior in protection against isoproterenol-induced cardiac injury: histopathological evidence

Background: L-carnitine and vitamin E have antioxidant properties. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of L-carnitine, vitamin E and their combination in protection against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced biochemical and histopathological changes in rat heart.  Materials and methods: Fifty male Wistar rats assigned to five groups; control, ISO-treated group (100 mg/kg), ISO + vitamin E-treated group (100 IU/kg), ISO + L-carnitine (100 mg/kg) and ISO + vitamin E + L-carnitine treated group. At the end of the experiment, serum cardiac enzyme as well as the cardiac level malondi- aldehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) were assessed. Histopathological changes in the left ventricle wall were assessed using the light and electron microscopy.  Results: Treating rats with vitamin E and L-carnitine could alleviate ISO-induced changes as it significantly reduced the serum level cardiac enzymes, MDA and IL-6, TNF-a and improved the antioxidants enzymes (SOD, GSPxase and GSRase). Histopathologically, they improved cardiac fibres atrophy, haemorrhages between cardiac fibres, lost striations, and disturbed sarcomere structure. The combined ef- fect of vitamin E and L-carnitine was more superior compared to the other groups.  Conclusions: Combined administration of vitamin E, L-carnitine ameliorated the biochemical and histopathological cardiac injury induced by ISO. The effect seemed to be mediated through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin E, L-carnitine. Administration of these two elements is recommended for patient at risk for myocardial infarction.

Modulation of carcinogen-metabolizing enzyme by madinah mint (Mentha spp) in rat liver

Background: The present study was undertaken to assess whether boiling water mint extract (BWME) modulates the cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase system.Materials and methods: Male albino rats were randomly divided into two groups, comprising 12 animals each. The first group served as control, whereas the second was maintained on BWME (10 % w/v) as its sole drinking liquid for six weeks. Liver microsomal were separated and subjected for phase I and II enzymes (cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase) analysisResults: The results obtained showed that, BWME caused a significant elevation in the activity of epoxide hydrolase (p<0.001) when compared with the control. However, glutathione S-transferase and glucuronosyl transferase activities were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.01) respectively compared with control. The mutagenic activity of N-nitrosopiperidine was lower in the minttreated hepatic microsomal compared with the controls.Conclusion: It can be concluded that BWME has the potential to suppress the activity of cytochrome enzymes involved in the bioactivation of chemical carcinogen; hence may display chemo preventive activity.Keywords: Carcinogen-PAH-Cytochrome P45

Signaling pathways regulated by Brassicaceae extract inhibit the formation of advanced glycated end products in rat brain

Background: The goal of this study was identification signaling molecules mediated the formation of AGEs in brain of rats injected with CdCl2 and the role of camel whey proteins and Brassicaceae extract on formation of AGEs in brain.Methods: Ninety male rats were randomly grouped into five groups; Normal control (GpI) and the other rats (groups II-V) were received a single dose of cadmium chloride i.p (5 μg/kg/b.w) for induction of neurodegeneration. Rats in groups III-V were treated daily with whey protein (1g/kg b.w) or Brassicaceae extract (1mg/kg b.w) or combined respectively for 12 weeks.Results: It was found that whey protein combined with Brassicaceae extract prevented the formation of AGEs and enhance the antioxidant activity compared with untreated group (p <0.001). Serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukine (IL-6) levels were significantly decreased (p<0.01) in rats treated with whey protein and Brassicaceae extract formation compared with untreated. The combined treatment showed a better impact than individual ones (p<0.001). The level of cAMP but not cGMP were lowered in combined treatment than individual (p<0.01).Conclusion: it can be postulated that Whey protein + Brassicaceae extract formation could have potential benefits in the prevention of the onset and progression of neuropathy in patients.Keywords: Whey protein- Brassicaceae extract -neurodegeneration -rat