Protective effect of Kombucha tea on brain damage induced by transient cerebral ischemia and reperfusion in rat

The aim of study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Kombucha on cerebral damage induced by ischemia in rats (n=99). Cerebral infarct volume in the ischemic rats received Kombucha solution showed no significance alteration. However, the permeability of blood-brain barrier significantly decreased in both ischemic rats received 15 mg/kg Kombucha tea and Sham group. In addition, brain water content in the ischemic groups treated with Kombucha solution was significantly higher than the Sham group, although right hemispheres in all of the treated groups illustrated higher brain water content than the left ones. Brain anti-oxidant capacity elevated in the ischemic rats treated with Kombucha and in the Sham group. Brain and plasma malondialdehyde concentrations significantly decreased in both of the ischemic groups injected with Kombucha. The findings suggest that Kombucha tea could be useful for the prevention of cerebral damage. © 2016, Bangladesh Pharmacological Society. All rights reserved

Effect of Biarum carduchrum extract on brain tissue thiol level in rat model of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson’s disease

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is developed due to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which is widely associated with oxidative stress. The reduction of glutathione, as the most abundant and important tissue thiol and an antioxidant defense agent, is one of the first biochemical events associated with PD, and therefore using antioxidants has a protective effect. In the present study, the effects of Biarum carduchrum extract on the thiol levels in the tissues of the hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum in PD were investigated. Methods: Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8 each. Control group was left without lesion. PD group received 8 μg of neurotoxin-6-hydroxydopamine in the anteriormiddle-brain. Seven days after PD induction, groups 3-5 intragastrically received 100, 200, and 400 mg/mL of B. carduchrum extract, respectively, for 14 days. At completion of treatments, brain tissues were removed and their thiol levels measured. Results: The levels of thiol in cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and striatum were significantly lower in the rats with PD than the control group. In B. carduchrum extract-treated groups, the thiol levels of cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and striatum tissues increased significantly compared to PD group. Conclusion: It seems that B. carduchrum extract leads to the functional regeneration of the nigro-striatal pathway through the mechanisms associated with its antioxidant properties

The effect of Fe2Nio4 and Fe4Nio4Zn nanoparticles on hepatic, renal and spleen tissues in male wistar rat

Background and aims: Nanoparticles in a wide range of consumer products (cosmetics, health, industrial, ...) is used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticle Fe2NiO4 and Fe4NiO4Zn on the Hepatic, Renal and Spleen Tissues. Methods: This study of experimental was conducted on 40 male Wistar rats. The average weight was between 200-250g and divided into 5 groups. Group I: control group received 0.5ml saline. Respectively it was injected 0.5ml from second to fifth group with concentration 100 and 200 ppm of Fe4Nio4Zn and Fe2Nio4 nanoparticles. These injections were performed for 7 consecutive days with intraperitoneally injection. Results: Results of H and E showed that Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles (200nm) had effect on the hepatic tissue and caused to damage tissues. Also, upper doze of (200nm) damaged to spleen tissue. Fe2NiO4 nanoparticle with doze (200nm) damaged the renal tissue, but, Fe2NiO4 nanoparticle with doze (100nm) had not no effect on hepatic, renal, and spleen tissues. The results of iron stain in the current study showed that iron has deposited on the spleen tissue in all of groups, but this iron sediment in the spleen in Fe4NiO4Zn treatment group (100, 200nm) was more compared with the control group (groups that contain zinc nanoparticles). Conclusion: Both of Fe2NiO4 and Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles damage on Hepatic, renal and spleen tissues, but, damage in both of them was more in an upper doze, and iron stain showed that Fe4NiO4Zn caused more damage on spleen

The effects of Fe4NiO4Zn nanoparticles on thyroid tissue and serum level of T3, T4 and TSH

زمینه و هدف: نانوذرات به دلیل اندازه کوچک و خواص فیزیکوشیمیایی منحصر به فرد کاربرد گسترده‌ای در صنایع داروسازی، ساختمان‌سازی، مواد غذایی و لوازم آرایش پیدا کرده‌اند. افزایش تولید و مصرف نانوذرات سنتزی سبب افزایش نگرانی در رابطه با اثرات جانبی منفی آن ‌ها بر سلامتی انسان شده است. هدف از مطالعه حاضر ارزیابی اثر نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn بر میزان ترشح هورمون‌های تیروئیدی و TSH و همچنین بافت تیروئید بود. روش بررسی: در این مطالعه تجربی، 24 رت نر نژاد ویستار به صورت تصادفی به 3 گروه 8 تایی تقسیم شدند. گروه کنترل 5/0 میلی‌لیتر سرم فیزیولوژی و گروه دوم و سوم 5/0 میلی‌لیتر محلول نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn را در غلظت‌هایppm ۱۰۰و 200 به مدت 7 روز متوالی دریافت کردند. غلظت هورمون‌های TSH و تیروئیدی در روزهای 2، 7 و 14 تعیین گردید. در روز 14 بافت تیروئید تحت بی‌هوشی عمیق خارج شده و مورد بررسی بافت شناسی قرار گرفت. یافته ها: تزریق صفاقی نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn سبب کاهش معنی‌داری در غلظت TSH و افزایش معنی‌داری در غلظت هورمون T4 شد. نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn تأثیر معنی‌داری بر سطح هورمون T3 نداشت. نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn سبب تغییرات بافتی غده تیروئید شامل التهاب و بزرگ شدن فولیکول‌های شد. نتیجه گیری: نانوذره Fe4NiO4Zn قادر است با تأثیر بر محور هیپوتالاموس- هیپوفیز- آندوکراین و آسیب فولیکول‌های تیروئید ترشح هورمون‌های TSH و تیروکسین را تحت تأثیر قرار دهد

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on passive avoidance memory and pain induced by global cerebral ischemia in Wistar rat

زمینه و هدف : ایسکمی مغزی و خونرسانی مجدد علت اصلی ناتوانی جدی و طولانی مدت در جهان است. هدف از مطالعه حاضر بررسی اثر عصاره هیدروالکلی بابونه بر اختلالات حافظه و درد ناشی از ایسکمی بود. روش بررسی: گل‌های خشک بابونه (Matricaria chamomilla) از عطاری تهیه شده و توسط الکل 70 درصد عصاره گیری شد. حیوانات به صورت تصادفی به 6 گروه 7 تایی تقسیم شدند. گروه کنترل فقط نرمال سالین دریافت کردند، گروه ایسکمی تحت ایسکمی قرار گرفته و نرمال سالین دریافت کردند، گروه شاهد(sham): تحت جراحی قرار گرفتند بدون اینکه شریان‌های کاروتید آن‌ها بسته شود. گروه‌های درمانی با عصاره تحت ایسکمی قرار گرفته و عصاره بابونه را به صورت داخل صفاقی در دوز 50، 100 و 200 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم وزن بدن دریافت کردند. تست رفتاری توسط شاتل باکس و تست ضد درد توسط تست تیل فیلیک انجام شد. یافته ها : عصاره بابونه در غلظت‌های 50، 100 و 200 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم حافظه احترازی غیرفعال موش‌های صحرایی تحت ایسکمی را به طور معنی‌دار افزایش داد. علاوه بر این عصاره بابونه زمان تأخیر ظهور رفلکس دردناک دم را در تست تیل فلیک به طور معنی‌داری افزایش داد و غلظت 50 میلی‌گرم بر کیلوگرم عصاره اثر بیشتری نسبت به غلظت‌های بالاتر آن نشان داد. بحث و نتیجه گیری: نتایج مطالعه حاضر حاکی از اثرات حفاظتی عصاره بابونه در برابر اختلال حافظه احترازی و درد ایجاد شده در اثر ایسکمی بود که احتمالا به دلیل اثرات آنتی‌اکسیدانی و ضدالتهابی عصاره گیاه می‌باش

The effect of silymarin on liver injury induced by Thioacetamide in rats

Introduction: In this study the protective effects of Silymarin was investigated against thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Methods: In an experimental study 24 male Wistar rats were designated in four equal groups as follows: Control group, the group treated with thioacetamide (TAA), Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks) + TAA (400 mg/kg), TAA (400 mg/kg) + Silymarin (400 mg/kg for 3 weeks). The levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin were measured to assess the hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection. Results: TAA significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin. Treatment by Silymarin caused a significant reduction in serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and bilirubin contents. Conclusion: The results indicate a protective effect for Silymarin against thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity which might be due to its ability to block the bioactivity of thioacetamide.</p

Atherosclerosis: Process, indicators, risk factors and new hopes

Background: Atherosclerosis is the major cause of morbidities and mortalities worldwide. In this study we aimed to review the mechanism of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, focusing on new findings in atherosclerosis markers and its risk factors. Furthermore, the role of antioxidants and medicinal herbs in atherosclerosis and endothelial damage has been discussed and a list of important medicinal plants effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis is presented. Methods: The recently published papers about atherosclerosis pathogenesis and herbal medicines effective in the treatment and prevention of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis were searched. Results: Inflammation has a crucial role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The disease is accompanied by excessive fibrosis of the intima, fatty plaques formation, proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and migration of a group of cells such as monocytes, T cells, and platelets which are formed in response to inflammation. The oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) to Ox-LDL indicates the first step of atherosclerosis in cardiovascular diseases. Malondialdehyde factor shows the level of lipoperoxidation and is a sign of increased oxidative pressure and cardiovascular diseases. In special pathological conditions such as severe hypercholesterolemia, peroxynitrite concentration increases and atherosclerosis and vascular damage are intensified. Medicinal plants have shown to be capable of interacting these or other pathogenesis factors to prevent atherosclerosis. Conclusions: The pathogenesis factors involved in atherosclerosis have recently been cleared and the discovery of these factors has brought about new hopes for better prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis

Prevalence of the genital tract bacterial infections after vaginal reconstructive surgery

Due to frequent childbirth, heavy lifting and the structure of the lives of rural women in Shahrekord region, Iran, cystocele and rectocele are of the main medical problems of the women in this area and for its correction, vaginal reconstructive surgery is needed which causes infection. The purpose of this study was to identify the bacteria causing infection after vaginal reconstructive surgery and performing antibiogram to help these patients for faster recovery. Patients enrolled this study were 92 who had undergone previous vaginal reconstructive surgery and now had infection. After examination, the group of patients taking antibiotics (n = 26) were excluded and the remaining 66 completed the study questionnaire. A gynecologist performed sampling; related tests (aerobic and anaerobic culture using an anaerobic culture gas pack jar and type A which provides absolute anaerobic conditions) were performed; antimicrobial susceptibility testing using Disk Diffusion Method was carried out; and the results were recorded. All the positive samples were polymicrobial. Gardnerella vaginalis in 20 cases (31), peptostreptococci and anaerobic cocci in 9 cases (13.6), staphylococcus aureus in 8 cases (9.1), bacteroides and fusobacterium in 7 cases (10.6), streptococcus group B in 4 cases (6), yeast cells in 11 cases (16.6) and Trichomonas vaginalis in wet mount of 4 (6) existed. Anaerobic bacteria showed 85 sensitivity to clindamycin, 82 to chloramphenicol, 85 sensitivity to ceftizoxime and 45 to penicillin. Facultative anaerobic bacteria showed a sensitivity rate of 90 to ceftizoxime, chloramphenicol and cephalothin. According to our findings, the rate of vaginal bacterial infection in women with vaginal reconstructive surgery has increased; from which, infections with anaerobic bacteria origins have increased dramatically. We recommend antibiotic prophylaxis prior to genital reconstructive surgeries. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats

This study was aimed to evaluate the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of different doses of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) powder in male diabetic rats. A total of 35 rats were randomized into 5 groups of 7 each as follows: Group 1: Normal control; Group 2: Diabetic control; Group 3: Diabetics administered with low doses of pumpkin powder (1 g/kg); Group 4: Diabetics administered with high doses of pumpkin powder (2 g/kg), and Group 5: Diabetics administered with glibenclamide (0.6 mg/kg), as positive control. The rats were made diabetic by alloxan (120 mg/kg body weight (BW)) injection and were treated for 4 weeks on a daily basis. Blood samples were collected following the experiment. Pancreatic specimens were also collected for histological analysis. Glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly increased, while insulin was decreased in diabetic rats as compared to the normal control group (p < 0.05). Low dose pumpkin significantly decreased glucose, triglycerides, LDL and CRP as compared to diabetic group and high dose pumpkin decreased cholesterol (p < 0.05). Histological analysis also revealed a significant increase in the diameter and number of langerhans islets in treated group with pumpkin, which was consistent with the latter findings. Therefore, pumpkin might be beneficial in diabetic patients

Protective effect of Kombucha tea on liver damage induced by thioacetamide in rats

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possible protective effects of Kombucha tea against thioacetamide induced liver damage in rats. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, treated with thioacetamide (TAA) treated with TAA and then Kombucha tea, treated with Kombucha tea and then TAA; following 3 weeks of treatment. All the animals were killed and liver tissue samples were obtained for histopafhological investigation. The data showed that TAA significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) but not bilirubin. The treatment by Kombucha tea promoted a significant reduction in serum enzyme levels AST, ALT, ALP, LDH and reduction in bilirubin content. The results show that the Kombucha tea has protective effects against the thioacetamide induced hepatotoxicity that might be due to antioxidant activities of these plants. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information