Exendin-4 effects on islet volume and number in mouse pancreas

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos do Exendin-4 (EX-4) sobre o volume e número de ilhotas no pâncreas. Trinta e dois camundongos NMRI machos saudáveis e adultos foram divididos ao acaso em grupos controle e grupos experimentais. EX-4 foi injetado intraperitonealmente (i. p.) nas doses de 0,25 (grupo E1), 0,5 (grupo E2) e 1 (grupo E3), duas vezes por dia durante 7 dias consecutivos. Um dia após a injeção final, os camundongos foram sacrificados e o pâncreas de cada animal foi dissecado, pesado e fixado em solução de formaldeído 10% para avaliação do volume do pâncreas e ilhotas e do número de ilhotas por métodos estereológicos. Observou-se aumento significativo no peso de pâncreas no grupo E3. O volume do pâncreas assim como das ilhotas não apresentou alterações nos grupos E1 e E2, quando comparados ao grupo controle No grupo E3 houve aumento significativo no volume do pâncreas e das ilhotas (PThe aim of this study was to evaluate Exendin-4 (EX-4) effects on islet volume and number in the mouse pancreas. Thirty-two healthy adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. EX-4 was injected intraperitoneally (i. p.) at doses of 0.25 (E1 group), 0.5 (E2 group), and 1 µg/kg (E3 group), twice a day for 7 consecutive days. One day after the final injection, the mice were sacrificed, and the pancreas from each animal dissected out, weighed, and fixed in 10% formalin for measurement of pancreas and islet volume, and determination of islet number by stereological assessments. There was a significant increase in the weight of pancreases in the E3 group. Islet and pancreas volumes in E1 and E2 groups were unchanged compared to the control group. The E3 group showed a significant increase in islet and pancreas volume (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the total number of islets in all three experimental groups. The results revealed that EX-4 increased pancreas and islet volume in non-diabetic mice. The increased total islet mass is probably caused by islet hypertrophy without the formation of additional islets

Dexamethasone effects on Bax expression in the mouse testicular germ cells.

Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) leads to numerous changes in various biological systems including the reproductive system. The aim of the present study was to find out whether dexamethasone (Dex), a widely used GC, would influence the apoptosis and expression of Bax, an important proapoptotic protein, in the mouse testicular germ cells. Experimental groups of 8 male NMRI mice received one of the following treatments daily for 7 days: 4, 7 and 10 mg/kg Dex. Control groups were treated with equivalent volumes of saline. Experimental and control animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. Immunohistochemical procedure was used to evaluation of Bax expression and the deoxyuridine nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was applied to assessment of the apoptotic germ cells. Bax expression was upregulated mainly at stages VII-VIII of spermatogenic cycle (

The effects of myricitrin and vitamin E against reproductive changes induced by D-galactose as an aging model in female mice: An experimental study

Background: Aging is accompanied by decreasing general function in the cells and tissues. D-galactose (D-gal) induces aging and plays a role in the pathogenesis of it. Myricitrin is a plant-derived antioxidant. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of myricitrin on antioxidant defense, sex hormone levels, uterus, and ovarian histology in D-galinduced aging female mouse model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 72 female adult NMRI mice, weighing 30-35 gr, 3-4 months old, were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12/each): (I) Control (vehicle; normal saline), (II) D-gal at 500 mg/kg/d for 45 days, (III-V) D-gal + myricitrin-treated groups (these groups received myricitrin at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/d, and (VI) D-gal + 100 mg/kg/d vitamin E orally for the last 28 days. The antioxidant indices were done on the basis of colorimetric method, and sex hormone levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Histological assessment of the uterus and ovaries were also evaluated. Results: D-gal impaired the estrous cycle, also degenerative changes occur in the ovarian follicles and damage to the uterus and ovarian tissue occurrs. In D-gal group, the level of sex hormones (p = 0.03) and the total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.002) decreased, while the level of malondialdehyde and gonadotropins increased (p = 0.03). Myricitrin at lower doses and vitamin E ameliorated the D-gal effects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that myricitrin can effectively prevent D-galinduced oxidation and aging in mice. The effect of myricitrin was equivalent and sometimes better than vitamin E. Key words: Aging, D-galactose, Mice, Myricitrin, Vitamin E

Evaluation of Therapeutic Properties of Sidr (Zizhyphus Spina-Christ) in the Teachings of Islamic, Persian Medicine and its Conformity with the New Findings of Medical Sciences

زمینه و هدف: سدر گیاهی از خانواده عنابیان است كه چندین جنس دارد و در نقاط مختلف ایران و کشورهای خاورمیانه می‌روید. در متون پزشكی و دارویی كهن و نیز از نگاه دانشمندان ایران و اسلام سدر از جایگاه ویژه‌ای برخوردار بوده است. در روایات و احادیث و همچنین قرآن کریم به گیاه سدر و خواص درمانی آن اشاره شده است. در علم داروسازی، این گیاه و تركیبات موجود در اسانس آن شناسایی و مورد استفاده قرار گرفته‌اند، در حال حاضر فرآورده‌های مختلفی از سدر به اشكال افشره و شامپو در بازار وجود دارد. این مطالعه با هدف بررسی خواص دارویی و زیستی اثبات‌شده این گیاه صورت گرفت. مواد و روش‌ها: در این مطالعه مروری، علاوه بر قرآن كریم، احادیث و كتاب‌های طب سنتی ایران، از پایگاه‌های اطلاعاتی قابل دسترس مانند Ovid، ISI، Magiran، IranMedex، Scopus، ISC، PubMed و Google Scholar استفاده شده است. یافته‌ها: قسمت‌های مختلف سدر مانند پوست، عصاره و میوه حاوی ترکیبات دارویی مؤثر همانند آنتی‌اکسیدان‌ها و ترکیبات ضد میکروبی می‌باشند که اثر قابل توجهی در مقابله با انواع سرطان‌ها و بیماری‌های عفونی دارند. نتیجه‌گیری: یافته‌های علمی جدید همسو با روایات اسلامی و طب سنتی خواص درمانی سدر را اثبات می‌کنند که مارا به تفکر هرچه بیشتر در آیات و روایات اسلامی وامی‌دارد. پیشنهاد می‌شود كه با انجام مطالعات بالینی بیشتر خواص سدر در مقالات علمی تأیید گردد.Background and Aim:&nbsp;Sidr belongs to the Rhamnaceae family that contains many genera and it grows in various parts of Iran and Middle East countries. In ancient medical and pharmaceutical texts and in the view of Iranian and Islamic scholars, Sidr has a special place. The traditions and hadiths as well as the Holy Quran refer to the Sidr plant and its therapeutic properties. In the field of pharmacy, the compounds present in this plant and its essential oils have been identified and used. Currently there are various products of Sidr in the form of spray and shampoo at the market. Materials and Methods:&nbsp;In this review study aimed at investigating the therapeutic and biological properties of this plant, in addition to the Holy Quran, hadiths and traditional medicine books, databases such as Ovid, ISI, Magiran, IranMedex, Scopus, ISC, PubMed and Google Scholar were also reviewed. Findings:&nbsp;Different parts of Sidr as skin, extract and fruit contain effective pharmaceutical compounds such as antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that have a significant effect in preventing various cancers and infectious diseases. Conclusion:&nbsp;New scientific findings, in line with Quranic references and traditional medicine, prove the therapeutic effects of Sidr, which makes us think more and more about Islamic notifications and traditional medicine. It is recommended that further clinical studies confirm the therapeutic effects of Sidr in scientific papers. &nbsp; Please cite this article as:&nbsp;Khorsandi LS, Rahbar N, Shirani M. Evaluation of Therapeutic Properties of Sidr (Zizhyphus Spina-Christ) in the Teachings of Islamic, Persian Medicine and its Conformity with the New Findings of Medical Sciences.&nbsp;Med Hist J&nbsp;2019; 11(40): 79-87

Anti-diabetic effect of betulinic acid on streptozotocinnicotinamide induced diabetic male mouse model

Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by abnormal insulin secretion or action. In the present study, the effects of betulinic acid (BA, a triterpene) are evaluated on glucose, α-amylase and plasma insulin levels, insulin resistance and the histopathology of pancreatic islets in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZNA) diabetic mice. Seventy adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into seven groups: control, sham, diabetic, diabetic treated with BA (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and diabetic treated with metformin (200 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 50 mg/kg after a dose of nicotinamide 120 mg/kg. Two weeks after treatment with BA, blood samples were collected for measuring glucose, α-amylase and insulin levels, and the pancreas was isolated for histopathology evaluation. Diabetes reduced the number and diameter of pancreatic islets, and increased α-amylase and insulin resistance. BA treatment reduced blood glucose, α-amylase and improved insulin sensitivity as well as pancreas histopathology. In addition, BA showed stronger effects on the pancreatic histology and insulin resistance compared to the metformin group

The effects of gallic acid and metformin on male reproductive dysfunction in diabetic mice induced by methylglyoxal: An experimental study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a disease that has reached a dangerous point. Today, nearly 500 million men and women around the world live with diabetes. Gallic acid (Gal) affects diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Gal and metformin (met) on the levels of glucose, insulin, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sperm count, antioxidant status, and histological changes in the testes of diabetic mice induced by methylglyoxal (MGO). Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 50 male adult NMRI mice, weighting 25-30 gr, aged 3-4 months were randomly divided into five equal groups (n = 10/each). (i) Control (vehicle, normal saline), (ii) MGO (600 mg/kg/d) orally for 28 days, (iii) Gal (50 mg/kg/d), (iv) MGO+Gal, and (v) MGO+met (200 mg/kg/d). Gal and met were administered orally for 21 consecutive days after the induction of diabetes. Blood samples were taken at 24 hr after the latest doses of treatment. Histological assessment of the testis was done, and the epididymis sperm count was obtained. Antioxidant indices, glucose, insulin, LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were measured. Results: In the MGO group compared to the control group, insulin, glucose (p = 0.001), LH (p = 0.04) and malondialdehyde (p = 0.001) were increased. However, the level of testosterone (p = 0.001), seminiferous tubule diameters, epithelial height, sperm count, superoxide dismutase activity (p = 0.02), and testis volume (p = 0.01) were decreased. The results indicated that Gal and met ameliorated the MGO effects. Conclusion: These findings suggested that the animals receiving MGO became diabetic. According to the results, Gal and met can effectively prevent MGO-induced diabetes. The effect of Gal was equivalent and sometimes better than metformin. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Gallic acid, Male reproductive system, Metformin, Mice

Antioxidant effects of proanthocyanidin from grape seed on hepatic tissue injury in diabetic rats

Objective(s): Diabetes plays an important role in the induction of the liver injury. Grape seed proanthocyanidin (GSP) have a wide range of medicinal properties against oxidative stress. In this study we evaluated antioxidant effects of GSP on liver in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control, untreated diabetic and diabetic rats treated with GSP. Diabetes was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). GSP were administered via oral gavage (200 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Results: GSP produced significant hepatoprotective effects by decreasing activities of serum aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase, and decreasing liver malondialdehyde and bilirubin (P&lt;0.05) levels. It increased liver superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and albumin level (P&lt;0.05). Administration of GSP significantly ameliorated structural changes induced in liver of diabetic rats. Conclusion: GSP have protective effects against hepatic tissue injury due to antioxidant properties

The effects Safflower Seed (A new variety of pigmented coat seeds) Consumption on the Liver and Kidney Tissues of Male Wistar Rats

Background and Objectives: Seeds of cultivated safflower which are now used in pharmaceutical and food industries are in white coat color. No commercially available pigmented genotype of cultivated safflower has been reported yet. This study was to investigate the probable toxicological effects of black coat seed of a new pigmented variety of safflower (A82) on liver and kidney tissues of male wistar rats. Methods: In the present experimental study, 54 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups of 24 (including 4 subgroups of 6 rats) and a control group of 6 rats. Group 1 (control group), distilled water, group 2 (CTBS) and Group 3 (CTWS) were respectively given grain crust suspension (A82) and white shell (C111) safflower on a daily basis, at doses of 30, 60, 180 and 240 mg per kg body weight orally for 5 weeks. In order to address the biochemical tests including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ,alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), arterial blood samples were taken. Regarding histological studies, liver and kidney organs were removed immediately. After fixation of samples in 10% formalin, 4-5 µm tissue sections were prepared. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method followed by light microscopy was used to examine the sections. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means between groups and least significant difference (LSD) was used to perform additional tests. Results: In both CTBS and CTWS treatment groups, the body weight of wistar rats increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (233.00±4.74 and 218.76±5.43, respectively) compared to the control group (196.79±4.88). The increasing trend was significantly higher in CTBS group compared to the CTWS group (p0.05). Moreover, regarding histopathological studies, neither liver nor kidney necrosis or damages were visualized in treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our findings showed that safflower seed, especially black ones (A82) has no toxic effects over liver and kidney tissues. The positive effects of black seeds on body weight among wistar rats may be an interesting effect to be further investigated for exploitation in the poultry industry