Evaluation of offspring sex ratio, sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes following exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an oxygenated fuel additive which has been used widely in many parts of the world. This experiment was performed to determine the effect of MTBE on offspring sex ratio, sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes. A total of 20 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups and received 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day MTBE by gavages for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for determination of sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes. Then, male rats were mated with healthy unexposed female rats and sex of offspring was determined after birth. Sex ratio was 0.48, 0.50, 0.43 and 0.50 in 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day MTBE groups, respectively (P = 0.91). There was significant decreasing trend for luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in experimental groups (rs = -0.50, P = 0.030 and rs = -0.67, P = 0.002, respectively). No changes were observed for superoxide dismutase. However, decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was observed in all treatment groups compared with control which was significant in 400 mg/kg/day MTBE group (P = 0.016). The present study showed that paternal exposure to oral MTBE has no effect on offspring sex ratio; while, MTBE exposure could exert dose-dependent changes in serum testosterone and LH in treatment groups. The results of the present study, need to be clarified in the future studies

Glycine Supplementation Ameliorates Retinal Neuronal Damage in an Experimental Model of Diabetes in Rats: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Purpose: To investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of glycine supplementation on the retinal ultrastructure of streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g (n = 40) were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each: normal group (C), glycine + normal group (G), STZ group (D), and glycine + STZ group (DG). The G and DG groups received glycine (130 mM and 1% w/v) freely in their drinking water seven days after the induction of diabetes for up to 16 weeks. Retinal samples for histopathology were examined using light and electron microscopy. Results: Diabetes-induced histological changes were attenuated in the retinas of rats in the DG group. The ultrastructural alterations produced by experimental diabetes in the inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer were significantly ameliorated by glycine supplementation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that glycine supplementation effectively attenuates retinal neuronal damage in experimental diabetic rats, and thus may be a potential candidate to protect retinal ultrastructure against diabetes

Third eyelid in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus): a morphological and histological study

The Indian mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) is native to parts of Asia, Iran. The purpose of this study was to describe the gross anatomy of the cartilage and histology of the superficial gland of the third eyelid of two adult mongooses. The animals, in terminal stages of disease and near death due to aging or unknown reasons, were referred from Park Zoo (Shiraz, Iran) to our center. By using a modified maceration technique, the morphological characteristics of the cartilage were examined. For histological examinations of the superficial gland of the third eyelid, the samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Also, to detect the elastic fibers in the cartilage sections were stained with orcein and Weigert’s resorcin-fuchsin. The cartilage consisted of an ovoid appendix and a mild reverse sigmoid crossbar. Elastic fibers were scattered throughout the cartilage but were more concentrated in the center. The superficial gland of the third eyelid was compound tubuloacinar with serous acini.

Cu(OAc)2 as a green promoter for one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-4,6-diarylpyridine- 3-carbonitrile as antibacterial agents

The extensive use of antimicrobial drugs and their resistance against bacterial infections have led to discover new antimicrobial compounds. In this study, we wish to report, one-pot synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives (1a-14a). These compounds were synthesized in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 as a highly effective heterogeneous acid catalyst. Here we evaluated the antimicrobial activities of these compounds against different species of microorganisms including gram positive and gram negative bacteria as well as fungi. Standard antimicrobial methods include disc diffusion and Broth microdilution method according to the protocol of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridine derivatives were done via reaction of aromatic aldehydes, acetophenone derivatives, malononitrile and ammonium acetate in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 under reflux condition. The results show compound 2-amino-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-phenylnicotinonitrile (10a) had the best antimicrobial efficacy toward C. albicans, E. faecalis, P. aeroginosa and E. coli. In conclusion, comparing the structure and activity of the compounds (10a), this compound with the presence of Cl residue at para-position of phenyl ring improves the antibacterial and antifungal activity.   Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2020, 34(1), 149-156. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v34i1.1

Histologic and Histomorphometric Study on the Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Aloe Vera Extract on Tissue Formation of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Male Rats

Background ; Objective: Diabetes mellitus affects the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, which leads to the dysfunction of the central and peripheral nervous system. Reports suggest that Aloe Vera has anti-diabetic effects. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the effect of hydro alcoholic extract of Aloe Vera on Sciatic nerve of the diabetic rats.Materials ; Methods: 45 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 gram were randomly divided into three groups of 15 rats as control group, the experimental group1 (DM), and the experimental group 2(DM+ Aloe Vera). Diabetes in the experimental groups of one and two was induced by injection of 50mg/kg Streptozotcin. The control group and the experimental group two received 50mg/kg Aloe Vera by gavage for 12 and 16 weeks. Then, the animals were anesthetized and sciatic nerves were dissected and fixed. The tissue changes of the sciatic nerves were surveyed by histologic and histomorphometric studies. The data have been analyzed by using the SPSS software  Results: In diabetic rats, a significant decrease was seen in the mean diameter of the myelinated nerve fibers and myelin sheath thickness of the Sciatic nerve. Long-term treatment with Aloe Vera significantly prevented all these abnormalities in treated diabetic rats (P <0/05). Conclusion: Our findings showed that the hydro alcoholic extract of Aloe Vera as a potential therapeutic agent that can help prevent histomorphometric and histologic changes induced by diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Glycine Supplementation Ameliorates Retinal Neuronal Damage in an Experimental Model of Diabetes in Rats: A Light and Electron Microscopic Study

Purpose: To investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of glycine supplementation on the retinal ultrastructure of streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g (n = 40) were randomly divided into four groups of 10 each: normal group (C), glycine + normal group (G), STZ group (D), and glycine + STZ group (DG). The G and DG groups received glycine (130 mM and 1% w/v) freely in their drinking water seven days after the induction of diabetes for up to 16 weeks. Retinal samples for histopathology were examined using light and electron microscopy. Results: Diabetes-induced histological changes were attenuated in the retinas of rats in the DG group. The ultrastructural alterations produced by experimental diabetes in the inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer, and ganglion cell layer were significantly ameliorated by glycine supplementation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that glycine supplementation effectively attenuates retinal neuronal damage in experimental diabetic rats, and thus may be a potential candidate to protect retinal ultrastructure against diabetes

Uncontrolled hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes: What are the correlates?

Abstract Suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with adverse micro‐ and macrovascular complications. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of uncontrolled hypertension in an Iranian population with type 2 diabetes. This is a cross‐sectional study of 2612 patients with type 2 diabetes, including 944 patients with hypertension. Controlled and uncontrolled hypertension were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to determined independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. Of 2612 patients with type 2 diabetes, 944 (36.1%) patients had hypertension. Of all patients with hypertension, 580 (61.4%) were still on monotherapy. Uncontrolled hypertension was detected in 536 participants (56.8%). Patients with uncontrolled hypertension had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (29.8±4.8 vs. 28.6±4.6), waist circumference (99.11±10.95 vs. 96.68±10.92), pulse pressure (67.3±17.3 vs. 48.4±10.7), total cholesterol (177.1±45.5 vs. 164.3±40.5), non‐HDL cholesterol (133.0±43.5 vs. 120.1±38.7), triglycerides (175.7±80.3 vs. 157.4±76.7), and Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) (0.57±0.23 vs. 0.52±0.24) (p  200 mg/dl non‐HDL cholesterol had a significant correlation with uncontrolled hypertension (OR = 4.635, CI95%:1.781–12.064, p = .002). In conclusion, BMI, pulse pressure, total cholesterol, and non‐HDL cholesterol are significant predictors of uncontrolled hypertension in patients with type 2 diabetes. Also, ineffective monotherapy, medical inertia and patients’ non‐compliance were other contributors to the uncontrolled hypertension