MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE POTENTIATES THE CONTRACTION OF THE VISCERAL SMOOTH MUSCLE OF DUODENUM BY AUGMENTING THE ACTIVITY OF INTRINSIC CHOLINERGIC EFFERENTS, INDUCING OXIDATIVE STRESS AND PROLIFERATING SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on the contraction of visceral smooth muscle (VSM) of the duodenum in a rat model to understand the MSG-induced impairment of the function of the small intestine. Methods: Male albino rats of Charles Foster strain were exposed with MSG at three different dosages (632, 1264, and 2528 mg/kg BW/day) for 30-day duration. The records of the contraction of the duodenum were achieved with isotonic transducer (IT-2245) coupled with RMS-Polyrite D by our standard laboratory protocol. Results: We have observed potentiation of contraction of duodenum ex vivo dose-dependently in MSG exposed groups of rats compared to control. Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in VSM tissue homogenate and expression of AChE protein in fixed duodenal muscle cell layers have been decreased in a dosage response manner comparing to control rats. We have found a significant decrease in the activities of some antioxidant enzymes such as Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, and increase in the level of malondialdehyde in MSG exposed VSM tissue homogenate of the duodenum. We have also observed thickening of muscularis externa layer and increase in the number of muscle cells in circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the duodenal wall in transverse duodenal wall sections stained with eosin-hematoxylin. Conclusion: MSG potentiates the contraction of VSM of duodenum by augmenting the activity of intrinsic cholinergic efferents predominantly, and inducing oxidative stress and proliferating smooth muscle cells

The carrot and the stick: Policy pathways to an environmentally sustainable rental housing sector

As the impacts from climate change are progressively being felt around the globe, there is an increasing urgency in the need for policymakers to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The rental housing sector offers one such clear opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions. However, there has been a lack of consensus regarding the policies that would best deliver a sustainable rental sector. Building on calls in the literature to examine policy mix solutions for this conundrum, a Policy Delphi methodology, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques, identified seven key policy areas. These were divided into carrot policies (tax incentives, rebates and grants); cusp policies, that are neither clearly carrot nor stick, but often have a leaning towards one or other (loans, energy arrangements, improved rental rights); and stick policies (minimum standards, mandatory disclosure). Minimum performance standards, rebates and tax incentives were identified as the most effective policy solutions by the expert panel. Findings suggest that any policy mix should include both carrot and stick policies. When integrated with the existing \u27enabling forces\u27 literature, a model emerges that highlights the policy pathways to an environmentally sustainable rental housing sector

SUPPRESSION OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION BY BROWN HT IN RAT

Objective: Brown HT is an extensively used food color. Our objective was to evaluate the possible toxic effect of Brown HT on male reproductive functions in rats. Methods: Brown HT was administered to male rats orally at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight/day for a period of 30 days. At the end of this period, different types of parameters related to male reproductive physiology and activities of different antioxidant enzymes were measured by spectrophotometric method using standard protocols. The serum hormonal levels were measured by Chemiluminescence Immuno Assay method using the kit. Results: We have observed significant decrease in mean body weight, gonado somatic index, number of epididymal sperms, percentage of motile sperms, and also decrease in serum level of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone in a dose dependent manner in Brown HT exposed rats. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase have been decreased and the level of malondialdehyde, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation has been increased significantly in exposed rats. Histopathology of testes also showed degeneration of germ cells in somniferous tubules in Brown HT exposed rats. Conclusion: According to this result, it is concluded that Brown HT suppresses the male reproductive functions probably by producing oxidative stress in testicular tissues and suppressing the hypothalamus-anterior pituitary-testicular axis in rat

Bisphenol S impairs blood functions and induces cardiovascular risks in rats

Bisphenol S (BPS) is an industrial chemical which is recently used to replace the potentially toxic Bisphenol A (BPA) in making polycarbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal receipt papers. The probable toxic effects of BPS on the functions of haemopoietic and cardiovascular systems have not been reported till to date. We report here that BPS depresses haematological functions and induces cardiovascular risks in rat. Adult male albino rats of Sprague-Dawley strain were given BPS at a dose level of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg BW/day respectively for 30 days. Red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, Hb concentration, and clotting time have been shown to be significantly (*P < 0.05) reduced in a dose dependent manner in all exposed groups of rats comparing to the control. It has also been shown that BPS increases total serum glucose and protein concentration in the exposed groups of rats. We have observed that BPS increases serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, glycerol free triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentration, whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration has been found to be reduced in the exposed groups. BPS significantly increases serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities dose dependently. Moreover, serum calcium, bilirubin and urea concentration have been observed to be increased in all exposed groups. In conclusion, BPS probably impairs the functions of blood and promotes cardiovascular risks in rats. Keywords: Bisphenol S, Red blood cell count, White blood cell count, Clotting time, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Cardiovascular risk