Vital Organs Of Rats Research Articles

Protective Role of Savory Essential Oilon Vital Organs in Rats against Deleterious Effects Induced by Lead Acetate

Protective Role of Savory Essential Oilon Vital Organs in Rats against Deleterious Effects Induced by Lead Acetate

Effect of different delayed cooling time on organ injuries in rat models of exertional heat stroke

To investigate how the timing of cooling therapy affects organ injuries in rats with exertional heat stroke (EHS) and explore the possible mechanisms. A total of 60 adult male Wistar rat models of EHS were randomized into model group without active cooling after modeling, immediate cooling group with cold water bath immediately after modeling, delayed cooling groups with cold water bath at 5, 15 and 30 min after modeling, with another 12 mice without EHS as the normal control group. The changes in core body temperature of the mice were recorded and the cooling rate was calculated. After observation for 24 h, the mice were euthanized and blood samples were collected for detection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and interferon-γ, followed by pathological examination of the vital organs. The rats that died within 24 h were immediately dissected for examination. The number of deaths of the model rats within 24 h increased significantly with the time of delay of cooling treatment. The delay of cooling was positively correlated (r=0.996, P=0.004) while the cooling rate negatively correlated with the mortality rate (r=-0.961, P=0.009). The inflammatory cytokine levels presented with different patterns of variations among the cooling intervention groups. All the rat models of EHS had significant organ damages characterized mainly by epithelial shedding, edema, effusion, and inflammatory cell infiltration, and brain and renal injuries reached the peak level at 24 h after EHS. EHS causes significant nonspecific pathologies of varying severities in the vital organs of rats, and the injuries worsen progressively with the delay of cooling. There is a significant heterogeneity in changes of serum inflammatory cytokines in rats with different timing of cooling intervention following EHS.

Toxicity study of rats treated by plasma-activated solution

BackgroundCold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an effective treatment for various skin diseases. Plasma-activated solution (PAS) is an indirect method of CAP treatment that produces biological effects similar to those of direct treatment with plasma devices. The anticancer and bacteriostatic effects of PAS have been demonstrated in vitro experiments; however, on the basis of the lack of toxicological studies on PAS, its effects on living mammals when administered by subcutaneous injection is poorly known. PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PAS on local skin tissue cells, blood system, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and other vital organs of the rat when injected subcutaneously. MethodsPAS was prepared by CAP irradiation of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). PBS and different PBS groups (CAP irradiation for 1, 3, or 5 min) were injected subcutaneously once every 48 h. The rats were euthanized immediately after 10 cycles of therapy. ResultsNo adverse effects were observed during the entire period of the experiment. Histopathological examination of organs and tissues revealed no structural changes. Moreover, no obvious structural changes were observed in skin tissue. DNA damage and cancerous proliferative changes were not detected in skin tissue treated with PAS. Subsequently, RNA sequencing and western blotting were performed. The results showed that PAS increased the expression of growth factors like transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). These results might be directly linked to the role of PAS in stimulating TGF-β receptor signaling pathway and angiogenesis. ConclusionThe results showed that multiple subcutaneous injections of PAS did not show significant toxic side effects on local skin tissues and some vital organs in rats, providing a scientific basis to support the future treatment of skin diseases with PAS.

Safety Considerations for Lyophilized Human Amniotic Membrane Impregnated with Colistin and Silver Nanoparticles.

Lyophilized human amniotic membrane (HAM) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have multispectral applications as a biological dressing. The present study focuses on the safety aspects of HAM coated with colistin and AgNPs (HACoN) dressing in relation to its structural and hematological changes. Four dressing groups were designed for the study, HAM, HAM coated with colistin (HACo), HAM coated with AgNPs (HAN), and HAM coated with colistin (HACo) and HACoN. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized for constitutional analysis. Biological safety was checked by applying HAM of all groups on open excisional burn wounds on Sprague-Dawley rats for 21days. The skin, kidneys, liver, and spleen were removed, and histological analysis was performed for detailed structural analysis. Oxidative stress was assessed using homogenate from newly generated skin. No structural or biochemical change was observed in any of the study groups as observed by SEM and FTIR. After 21days of grafting, wounds were healed properly with normal skin, and no anomaly was observed in related to kidneys, spleen, and liver. Some of antioxidant enzymes were increased, while malondialdehyde which is a reactive oxygen species was reduced in the skin tissue homogenate of HACoN group. Impregnation of colistin and AgNPs in combination on HAM has no effects on hematological and structural constitution of HAM. It leaves no obvious change in vital organs of rats and improves oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, it can be claimed that HACoN is a biologically safe antibacterial dressing.

Acute oral toxicity assessment of galbanic acid in albino rat according to OECD 425 TG

In spite of the broad biological and also anticarcinogenic effects which have been reported for galbanic acid in various studies, its toxic effects are not still well characterized. The study was accomplished to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of galbanic acid pursuant to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) TG No. 425. Female rats were received asafoetida extract and galbanic acid in distilled water by oral gavage. According to the existing information, limit test was done for aqueous extract of asafoetida and main test was done for galbanic acid. The animals were monitored for 2 weeks. Then under general anesthesia, the blood samples were obtained from the heart for biochemical and hematological assessment and the vital organs of rats were isolated for pathological evaluation. The results showed that although the Median lethal dose (LD50) of asafoetida extract was above the 2000 mg/kg body weight, the galbanic acid estimated LD50 was 310.2 mg/kg. There was no considerable change in body weight of vehicle and extract treated animals but in galbanic acid treated animals, the body weights were not normally increased. A significant rise was observed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL), (aspartate aminotransferase) AST and (alanine aminotransferase) ALT levels as well as in white blood cells (WBC), platelet and lymphocytes counts in galbanic acid group compared to vehicle and extract groups. Based on the obtained results, we suggest that although the asafoetida aqueous extract could be categorized as group 5 (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), but galbanic acid estimated LD50 is about 310.2 mg/kg and toxicity signs also appeared in lung, liver enzymes and complete blood count (CBC) of galbanic acid treated animals.

Nano Zinc Supplementation Affects Immunity, Hormonal Profile, Hepatic Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) Gene Expression and Vital Organ Histology in Wister Albino Rats.

The study was conducted to assess nano zinc (ZnN) as a feed supplement with an aim to compare the supplemental dose of inorganic zinc (ZnI). ZnN was synthesized from 0.45molar (M) zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)2.6H2O] and 0.9M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and was confirmed to be of ZnN by TEM-EDAX measurements. Wister albino rats (rats; 84, 53.6 ± 0.65g) were divided into seven groups (4 replicate with 3 rats each) and given feed supplemented with zinc for 60days with either of the following diets: (1) normal control (NC): basal diet (BD) + no supplemental Zn; (2) ZnI-25: BD + 25mg/kg Zn from inorganic ZnO; (3) ZnN-25: BD + 25mg/kg of ZnN; (4) ZnN-12.5: BD + 12.5mg/kg of ZnN; (5) ZnN-6.25: BD + 6.25mg/kg of ZnN; (6) ZnN-3.125: BD + 3.125mg/kg of ZnN; (7) ZnN-50: BD + 50mg/kg of ZnN. T3 and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) hormone levels were similar among groups (P > 0.05), whereas T4 and testosterone were significantly affected, based on supplemented dose. Zn supplementation improved both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. However, both cell-mediated immunity at 24h and humoral immunity were statistically similar in ZnI-25 and ZnN-6.25 groups. Superoxide dismutase 1 gene expression was found to be similar in all experimental groups. The vascular degeneration were found in liver tissues moderately in NC, mildly in ZnN-6.25 and ZnN-3.125 groups, and no observable changes were noticed in kidney and spleen tissues. However, there was a mild damage in intestinal epithelium of ZnN-25 group rats, hyperplasia of goblet cells, and moderate damage in intestinal villi were observed in ZnN-50 group rats. From the study, it can be concluded that ZnN at half the dose of ZnI showed similar or better responses in terms of immunity, SOD-1 expression, hormonal profiles, and the tissue architecture of vital organs in rats, i.e., 25mg/kg of Zn from ZnI and 12.5mg/kg of ZnN impacted similar biological responses like immunity, SOD-1 expression, hormonal profiles, and the tissue architecture of vital organs in rats.

Phytochemical analysis and protective effects of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) in rats (Rattus norvegicus) following ethylene oxide-induced oxidative insult

ABSTRACT The Vaccinium genus comprises more than 126 genera of perennial flowering plants that are commonly adapted to poor and acidic soils or epiphytic environments. Their molecular and genomic characterization is a result of the recent advent in next-generation sequencing technology. In the current research, extracts were prepared in different media, such as petroleum ether, methanol and ethanol. An extract of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) was used at a dose of 200–400 mg/kg by weight (B.wt). Levels of oxidative stress markers, i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. A histopathological study of six vital organs in rats was also conducted. The results indicated that the antioxidant levels were lower in the group given only ethylene oxide (EtO) but higher in the groups receiving cranberry extract as a treatment. Major improvements were also observed in stress markers such as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and MDA following cranberry treatment. Histopathological changes induced by EtO were observed in the heart, kidney, liver, lung, stomach and testis and were reversed following cranberry treatment. The major toxic effects of EtO were oxidative stress and organ degeneration, as observed from various stress markers and histopathological changes. Our study showed that this extract contains strong antioxidant properties, which may contribute to the amelioration of the observed toxic effects.

Protective effect of lobelia and hops mixture against cigarette inhalation toxicity in female rats

Background/Aim Cigarette inhalation is dangerous for the health of both nonsmokers and smokers. It is the most important cause of death. The current study is important for studying the protective role of lobelia (Lobelia inflata) and hops (Humulus lupulus) against the toxic effects of smoking inhalation in adult female rats. Materials and methods This study was performed on 24 female rats divided into four groups (six each) including control group (G1), cigarettes inhalation group (G2), mixture of lobelia and hops inhalation group (G3), and mixture of herbal plants plus cigarettes inhalation group (G4). Female rats were exposed to inhalation of a mixture of lobelia and hops or cigarettes separately or mixed for 4 weeks with a concentration of 4.4 mg/kg for each dose. At the end of the experiment, serum samples and whole blood were used for biochemical and hematological investigation as well as histological examination on liver, kidney, lung, and cardiac tissue. Results The cigarette-treated rats showed significant increases (P<0.05) in levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, protein, urea, and creatinine, whereas a significant decrease (P<0.05) in albumin level was estimated. The exposure to the mixture of herbal plants only showed normal levels of liver and kidney biomarkers in comparison with the control group. However, the combination of cigarette plus mixture of herbal plants inhalations revealed normal levels of liver and kidney parameters after 4 weeks of inhalation. Histological studies showed morphological alterations in all vital organs of rats in cigarette inhalation-treated group, whereas normal histological examination in group of rats treated with cigarette plus mixture of herbal plants inhalations. Conclusion These findings concluded that exposure to cigarette inhalation in female rats activated harmful effects to the vital organs; this toxicity can be improved by exposure to mixtures of herbal plants from lobelia (L. inflata) and hops (H. lupulus).

Hepatorenal protective action of Spirulina platensis against beryllium inducedhepatorenal dysfunction and histopathological alterations in rats

Beryllium (Be) is highly toxic to human, induces oxidative stress and leads to Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) orberylliosis, apoptosis and cancer. In this study, we have investigated the antioxidative and hepatorenal protective potential of Spirulina platensis (SP) against beryllium (Be) induced alterations in hepatorenal biochemical parameters, oxidative stressand histopathological alterations in rats. Different doses of SP (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) were administered (once aday daily for 7 days) against Be(NO3)2 (1 mg/kg, i.p. once a day daily, for 28 days) induced toxic menifestations in female Wistar rats. Be decreased GSH, SOD, CAT, G-6-Pase, ALP and ATPase activities and increased TBARS and ACP activityin liver and kidney. Be enhanced ALT, AST, bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine, total cholesterol and decreased haemoglobin,total protein, sugar in blood. Be deposited in vital organs of rats and altered the histoarchitecture of liver and kidney. Different doses of SP showed dose dependent recovery. SP @400 mg/kg showed significant recovery against Be inducedoxidative stress, maintained hepatorenal function towards normal and reduced beryllium body burden. Results of the study.well supported by histopathological observations, conclude that SP possesses hepatorenal protective potential againstBe induced toxicity in rats.

First study on the effect of Asiatic honey bee (Apis cerana) venom on cutaneous, hepatic and renal rat tissues

Recently, honey bee venom has been used for medical purposes. Studying the effect of bee venom on skin, liver and kidney tissues is of importance to understanding the pathology of bee stings. Various studies have demonstrated the effects of venom extracted from Apis spp. on tissues of model animals like the rat. However, no published data are available on the effect of specific doses of Asiatic honey bee (Apis cerana) venom on different tissues. In this study, we examined effects of A. cerana venom dissolved in 0.85% NaCl at dosage of 30.0 µg/g body weight on cutaneous, hepatic and renal tissues of six male rats. This dosage was given via subcutaneous injection of 200 µl per rat compared to those of controls (n = 6) that were injected with 200 µl physiological saline solution. After 48 h, tissues were removed and processed by paraffin technique and stained with Masson’s trichrome staining, Periodic acid Schiff’s reagent and alcian blue 8GX for histological structure analyses. Venom-injected rats showed signs of tissue damage: There were greater numbers of both Kupffer cells and damaged hepatocytes compared to those of controls. Moreover, signs of renal lesions were also observed such as dispersion and retraction of glomeruli, wider Bowman’s space and injury to brush borders of proximal convoluted tubules, including damage to other tubular cells (renal tubular necrosis). Additionally, dermal mast cell counts were significantly lower than the controls. In conclusion, A. cerana venom at 30.0 µg/g body weight can cause renal lesions, hepatic injury and tissue damage to the vital organs of rats. The results of this study provide a basis for further studies on the application of A. cerana bee venom in clinical therapy.

Antimicrobial and toxicological evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Salacia lehmbachii.

The leaves of Salacia lehmbachii are used ethnomedically across Africa for the treatment of different diseases its antimicrobial activity as well as toxicological profile were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococus aureus, Shigella species, Eschericha coli and Proteus mirabilis were compared with Gentamycin. Toxicological investigation was determined by administering 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the ethanol leaf extract to male Wistar rats for 21 days with distilled water as control. Hematological and biochemical parameters as well as the vital organs were examined. The ethanol extract inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa, S. typhi, S. aureus, Shigella species, E. coli and P. mirabilis to varying extents. The LD50 in rats was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Toxicological evaluation of the extract did not produce any significant effect on hematological and biochemical parameters and vital organs in rats. S. lehmbachii ethanol leaf extract did not demonstrate antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Neither did it show any non-toxic effect on the parameters investigated in rats. Thus the extract can be considered safe when administered orally.

Anti-Inflammatory Concentrate Enriched with Substituted Oligofucans Derived from Brown Seaweed Turbinaria conoides (J. Agardh) Kützing and Its Safety Assessment on Wistar Rats

ABSTRACTAqueous extract of the seaweed Turbinaria conoides was purified to obtain an oligofucan-enriched seaweed concentrate (OESC). Oligofucans isolated were characterized as two types with (→1)-fucose-(2,3-diSO3−)-(1→4)-fucose-(2-SO3−)-(1→3)-fucose-(2,3-diSO3−)-(1→4)-fucose-(2-SO3−, 3-OAc)-(4→) and (→1)-fucose-(3-SO3−)-(1→4)-fucose-(2-SO3−)-(1→4)-fucose-(3-SO3−)-(1→4)-fucose-(2-SO3−)-(4→) motifs. A 90-day accelerated shelf-life study (50°C) showed that OESC maintained its antioxidant properties (free radical scavenging, reducing, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and chelating activities) even after 30 days. In vitro COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitory properties of OESC (67.2 and 95.2%, respectively) showed no significant variation even at the 30th day. OESC significantly mitigated the carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats at 0–2 h (59.7–70.3% inhibition), which were greater compared to the synthetic NSAID aspirin. The safety of OESC has been assessed by acute (14 days) and subchronic (90 days) oral toxicity studies, which showed no toxicity-related significant changes in renal or hepatic function, hematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters in the OESC-treated Wistar rats. No histopathological alterations were observed in the vital organs of rats treated with OESC. LD50 and sub-chronic no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for this concentrate were found to be > 5,000 and 2,000 mg/kg BW, respectively. Hence, oligofucan-enriched seaweed concentrate is safe to consume without any adverse effects in the body.

Impact of Exposure to Fenitrothion on Vital Organs in Rats.

This study was designed to investigate the impact of oral administration of fenitrothion (10 mg/kg) on liver, kidney, brain, and lung function in rats. The effect was studied on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 42. Our results have shown deterioration in liver function as evidenced by the elevation in serum ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin and reduction in albumin and hepatic glycogen. This was associated with a state of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and increased prothrombin time, while hemoglobin content was reduced. In addition, the kidney function was reduced as indicated by the elevation in serum creatinine, uric acid, and BUN, while the serum levels of magnesium, potassium, and sodium were reduced. This study also showed an impairment in brain neurotransmitter (elevated 5-HT, glutamate, GABA, and reduced dopamine and norepinephrine level). This was associated with a reduction in the barrier capacity in brain and lung. Fenitrothion also caused a decrease in cholinesterase activity in serum, lung, and brain activity associated with a state of oxidative stress in all tested organs and hyperammonemia. These results support the hazards of pesticide use and shows the importance of minimizing pesticide use or discovering new safe pesticides.

Evaluation of subacute toxicity of methanolic/aqueous preparation of aerial parts of O. sanctum in Wistar rats: Clinical, haematological, biochemical and histopathological studies

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOcimum sanctum, commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi has been used in Ayurveda as a demulcent, stimulant, expectorant; in the treatment of bronchitis, skin infections, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, arthritis, gastric and inflammatory disorders. We have previously shown that methanolic/aqueous extract of O. sanctum did not induce genotoxicity and other toxic effects in acute oral toxicity study. In the present report, we have performed sub-acute toxicity of methanolic/aqueous preparation of O. sanctum in Wistar rats to evaluate whether it induced any chronic toxic effects. Materials and methodsIn subacute toxicity study, animals received O. sanctum extract (OSE) by oral gavage at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg/day (n=5/group/sex) for 28 days. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and evaluated for the effect of OSE on clinical, haematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. ResultsThe rats treated with OSE did not show any change in body weight, food and water consumption, motor activity, sensory reactivity and foot splay measurements. There were no significant changes in haematological, pathological and biochemical parameters; and histopathology of tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and testis/ovary) among rats of either sex. OSE at a dose of 1000 mg/kg showed significant increase of Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (19.8±0.8; 18.7±0.5) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (41.8±1.1; 39.3±0.7) in male and female rats in comparison to their respective controls (MCH: 17.7±0.3; 17.4±0.3; MCHC: 37.8±0.5; 36.1±0.2). Urine parameters (appearance, blood, nitrate, leucocyte, glucose, ketone, pH, protein and specific gravity) in both the male and female rats were comparable to their respective controls. In addition, no changes were observed in the vital organs of rats at macroscopic and microscopic levels. ConclusionsOur results showed that oral administration of OSE was not toxic to male and female Wistar rats upto the highest dose tested, thereby suggesting its clinical usefulness.

Effects of Mild Chronic Intermittent Cold Exposure on Rat Organs.

Cold adaptation is a body's protective response to cold stress. Mild chronic intermittent cold (CIC) exposure has been used to generate animal models for cold adaptation studies. However, the effects of mild CIC exposure on vital organs are not completely characterized. In the present study, we exposed rats to mild CIC for two weeks, and then measured the body weights, the weights of brown adipose tissue (BAT), the levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brains, livers, hearts, muscles and BATs. Rats formed cold adaptation after exposure to CIC for two weeks. Compared to rats of the control group that were hosted under ambient temperature, rats exposed to mild CIC showed a lower average body weight, but a higher weight of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Rats exposed to CIC for two weeks also exhibited higher levels of ATP and ROS in all examined organs as compared to those of the control group. In addition, we determined the expression levels of cold-inducible RNA binding protein (Cirbp) and thioredoxin (TRX) in rat tissues after 2 weeks of CIC exposure. Both Cirbp and TRX were increased, suggesting a role of these two proteins for establishment of cold adaptation. Together, this study reveals the effects of mild CIC exposure on vital organs of rats during CIC exposure.

Genotoxicity analysis of cerium oxide micro and nanoparticles in Wistar rats after 28 days of repeated oral administration.

The applications of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs; nanoceria) extend to polishing agents, diesel fuel additives and as a putative antioxidant in therapeutics. Therefore, understanding the long-term toxic effects of CeO2 NPs is of particular importance. This study investigated the 28 days of repeated toxicity of 30, 300 and 600 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day of nanoceria and CeO2 microparticles (MPs) in Wistar rats after oral exposure. Genotoxicity was analysed using comet, micronucleus (MN) and chromosomal aberration (CA) assays. The results demonstrated a significant increase in DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes and liver, MN and CA in bone marrow as well as MN in peripheral blood after exposure to CeO2 NPs at 300 and 600 mg/kg bw/day. Significant alterations were observed in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in serum and reduced glutathione content in the liver, kidneys and brain at 300 and 600 mg/kg bw/day in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, CeO2 MPs did not induce any significant toxicological changes. A much higher absorptivity and significant tissue distribution of CeO2 NPs was perceived in comparison to CeO2 MPs in a dose-dependent manner. A substantial fraction of CeO2 NPs was cleared by urine and faeces. Histopathological analysis revealed that CeO2 NPs caused alterations in liver, spleen and brain. Further, distinct difference in the data among genders was not obvious. In general, the results suggested that prolonged oral exposure to nanoceria has the potential to cause genetic damage, biochemical alterations and histological changes after retention in vital organs of rats at high concentrations.

Toxicity Profile of a Nutraceutical Formulation Derived from Green MusselPerna viridis

The short-term (acute) and long-term (subchronic) toxicity profile, mean lethal dose 50 (LD50), and no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of a nutraceutical formulation developed from green mussel Perna viridis, which showed in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties, were evaluated in the present study. The formulation was administered to the male and female Wistar rats at graded doses (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 g/kg body weight) for two weeks of acute toxicity study and 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg body weight for 90 days in subchronic toxicity study. The LD50, variations in clinical signs, changes in body weight, body weight, food/water consumption, organ weight (liver, kidney, spleen, and brain), hematology, serum chemistry, and histopathological changes were evaluated. The LD50 of the formulation was 5,000 mg/kg BW. No test article related mortalities as well as change in body weight, and food and water consumption were observed. No toxicity related significant changes were noted in renal/hepatic function, hematological indices, and serum biochemical parameters between the control and treated groups. Histopathological alterations were not observed in the vital organs of rats. The subchronic NOAEL for the formulation in rats is greater than 2000 mg/kg. This study demonstrated that the green mussel formulation is safe to consume without any adverse effects in the body.

Toxicological Study ofOcimum sanctumLinn Leaves: Hematological, Biochemical, and Histopathological Studies

The present study was aimed to study the acute and subacute toxicity studies with orally administered 50% ethanolic leaves extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn (OSE). In acute toxicity tests, four groups of mice (n = 6/group/sex) were orally treated with doses of 200, 600, and 2000 mg/kg, and general behavior, adverse effects, and mortality were recorded for up to 14 days. In subacute toxicity study, rats received OSE by gavage at the doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg/day (n = 6/group/sex) for 28 days, and biochemical, hematological, and histopathological changes in tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and testis/ovary) were determined. OSE did not produce any hazardous symptoms or death and CNS and ANS toxicities in the acute toxicity test. Subacute treatment with OSE did not show any change in body weight, food and water consumption, and hematological and biochemical profiles. In addition, no change was observed both in macroscopic and microscopic aspects of vital organs in rats. Our result showed that Ocimum sanctum extract could be safe for human use.

Early protective effect of total hypoxic preconditioning on rats against systemic injury from hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation

BackgroundIn vivo or in vitro hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) can protect various tissues and cells against subsequent ischemia and/or reperfusion (hypoxia and/or reoxygenation) injury. Total HPC (THPC) in animal models is largely aimed at protecting single organs; however, scant data exist on whole body protection. The present study investigated whether THPC could protect anesthetized rats against the systemic injury induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R). MethodsThe 4-cycle THPC protocol consisted of 5 min of inhalation hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen 10%, N2 90% plus oxygen 10%) followed by 10 min of inhalation air (oxygen 21%). An acute HS/R model of anesthetized rats was used. The experiment was divided into two parts of the Severe HS/R and Moderate HS/R, differentiated by a shed blood volume of 60% or 50% (HS/R60% or HS/R50%, respectively) of the total blood volume of rats, respectively. In the Severe HS/R part, the heart rate, respiration rate, and mean arterial pressure of the rats were measured, and the survival of the rats was observed. We examined the pathomorphologic changes in the vital organs of rats and measured the arterial blood gas, heart rate, respiration rate, and mean arterial pressure of the rats in the Moderate HS/R part. ResultsTHPC did not result in irreversible changes or death in the rats. The rats in the THPC + HS60%/R group had a significantly greater survival rate than those in the HS60%/R group (59% versus 33%, log-rank test, chi-square = 4.356, P = 0.037). The histopathologic lung score of the rats in the HS50%/R group (1.7 ± 0.5) was significantly greater than that in the THPC + HS50%/R (1.1 ± 0.6, P = 0.046). The arterial blood gas pH was lower in the HS50%/R group than in the THPC + HS50%/R group. THPC had a greater influence on the arterial partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide than on bicarbonate radical and base excess. The respiration rate in the THPC + HS/R group was faster than that in the HS/R group. No significant differences in heart rate or mean arterial pressure were seen between the THPC + HS/R and HS/R groups. ConclusionsIn anesthetized rats, THPC provided early protection against the subsequent systemic injury caused by hemorrhagic shock following resuscitation. THPC might exert systemic protection by improving the function of vital organs (e.g., lungs and, perhaps, the brain).

Endosulfan induced early pathological changes in vital organs of rat: a biochemical approach.

Aim:To evaluate the pathogenesis in heart and liver by the early induction of biochemical and antioxidant derangements in rats exposed to endosulfan.Materials and Methods:Wistar rats were gavaged with endosulfan (0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight in sunflower oil) for a period of 21 days (single dose at 24 h interval). Control and sunflower oil control groups were also maintained simultaneously. Rats were sacrificed on the 22nd day posttreatment. Blood samples, heart and liver were collected and different biochemical parameters such as total protein, cholesterol, triglycerides, amino acids and antioxidant and lipid peroxidation level were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out by one way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni’ post-hoc test.Results:Endosulfan induced a significant increase in the serum levels of total protein, amino acids, triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acid and phospholipid levels in a dose-dependent manner. In the heart and liver, lipid peroxidation was increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner and the antioxidant levels such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent pattern.Conclusion:Exposure to endosulfan results in a significant derangement in the biochemical parameters with a decrease in antioxidant levels in the heart and liver. This is an early indication of pathogenesis in the vital organs of rats.