Role of Melatonin and/or Vitamin B Complex against Hormonal Changes in Epinephrine-Stressed Rats

Abstract The current study aimed to investigate the effect of intramuscular injection of melatonin (MT)(1mg / kg) and/or vitamin Bcomplex (Tri-B) (20 mg/kg) on the hormonal changes induced by Epinephrine (Epi) (0.02 mg/kg) in male albino rats. Intramuscular administration of Epi induced significant elevations in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT),2 2 T triiodothyronine 2 2 T (TR 3 R) and thyroxine (TR 4 R) levels after the two experimental durations. On the other hand, luetinizing hormone (2 2 T LH)2 2 T , testosterone , prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) levels were decreased under the same conditions. Melatonin treatment seems to constitute a selection therapy, by improving ATCH, CORT, TR 3 R ,TR 4 R and GH levels but has no effect on the low levels of LH , testosterone and PRL. Also, the data suggested that Tri-B injection partially improved the different endocrinological changes of Epi

Protective

Many active ingredients extracted from herbal and medicinal plants are extensively studied for their beneficial effects. Antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging properties of thymoquinone (TQ) have been reported. The present study evaluated the possible protective effects of TQ against the toxicity and oxidative stress of sodium fluoride (NaF) in the liver of rats. Rats were divided into four groups, the first group served as the control group and was administered distilled water whereas the NaF group received NaF orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks, TQ group was administered TQ orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 5 weeks, and the NaF-TQ group was first given TQ for 1 week and was secondly administered 10 mg/kg/day NaF in association with 10 mg/kg TQ for 4 weeks. Rats intoxicated with NaF showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation whereas the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were reduced in hepatic tissues. The proper functioning of the liver was also disrupted as indicated by alterations in the measured liver function indices and biochemical parameters. TQ supplementation counteracted the NaF-induced hepatotoxicity probably due to its strong antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the results obtained clearly indicated the role of oxidative stress in the induction of NaF toxicity and suggested hepatoprotective effects of TQ against the toxicity of fluoride compounds

L-methionine protects against nephrotoxicity induced by methotrexate through modulation of redox status and inflammation

ABSTRACTObjective: Methotrexate (MTX) is a drug used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disorders; however, its clinical use is limited because of serious side effects including renal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Lmethionine (L-Met) on MTX toxicity in the kidneys of rats.Methods: Thirty male rats were divided equally into five groups: control (saline), Met400 (400 mg/kg L-Met), MTX (20 mg/kg MTX), MTX-Met300 (300 mg/kg L-Met and 20 mg/kg MTX), and MTX-Met400 (400 mg/kg L-Met and 20 mg/kg MTX). Rats were euthanized one day after the last dose administration (day 16) and serum and renal tissue samples were collected. Renal function and injury indices, oxidative stress/antioxidant indices and proinflammatory cytokines were evaluated.Results: The results showed that L-Met could effectively counteract the nephrotoxic effects of MTX, in a dose-related manner, by improving most of the tested parameters. Furthermore, the higher dose of L-Met was able to restore several parameters to normal levels. In addition, investigation of MTX-induced hematological changes revealed a corrective potential of L-Met.Conclusion: L-Met can be an effective adjuvant therapy to modulate renal toxicity associated with MTX because of its antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects