scholarly journals Toxic Effect of Khat in Rat Embryos and Fetuses

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Selamawit Belete ◽  
Kaleab Asres ◽  
Yonas Bekuretsion ◽  
Rekik Ashebir ◽  
Melese Shenkut Abebe ◽  
...  

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a plant consumed by many people in Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, and Southern Arabia to be stimulated. There are several human and animal studies on khat that provide information about its toxic effects. However, the potential toxic effects of khat on embryos and fetuses have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects of khat exposure during the earliest period of gestation in rats. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were treated with khat extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses from day 6 through day 12 of gestation. The treatment was delivered by gavage. Embryos and fetuses were recovered on gestational day 12 or day 20, respectively, and were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed for developmental anomalies. Placentae from the treatment and control groups were investigated for histopathological effects. Results of the present study showed that khat exposure during pregnancy had dose-dependent toxic effects in rat embryos and fetuses. Prenatal growth retardation such as reduced fetal weight and crown-rump length was observed in near-term fetuses, especially, in animals treated with the highest dose of khat ( p < 0.05 ). Growth retardation and developmental anomalies were also observed in day 12 embryos of khat-treated rats. Maternal weight gain of the khat-treated group was also significantly lower than the control group. Cytolysis, decidual hypoplasia, and atrophy were observed in the placenta of the khat-treated rats. Findings of the present study revealed, for the first time, that exposure of pregnant rat to crude extract of khat causes embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects.

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 446-453
Author(s):  
Salma Awad Taghyan ◽  
Hend El Messiry ◽  
Medhat Ahmed El Zainy

This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the parotid glands (PGs) of albino rats histologically and ultrastructurally and assess the possible protective effect of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 150 mg and 200 mg were divided into three groups: the control group (C1) contained 10 rats that received 2 mg/kg (body weight (bw)) of aqueous nitrate buffer by intraperitoneal (IP) injection daily for 28 days; the AgNPs group contained 10 rats that received 2 mg/kg (bw) IP AgNPs daily for 28 days; and the AgNPs-vitamin C group contained 10 albino rats that received 2 mg/kg (bw) AgNPs IP daily for 28 days with oral administration of 100 mg/kg (bw) vitamin C in drinking water daily for 28 days. The PG acinar and ductal cells of the AgNPs group showed signs of toxicity and degeneration characterized as pleomorphic nuclei, binucleation, cytoplasmic vacuolations, and stagnated secretion in the ductal lumen. In addition to degenerated mitochondria, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes were filled with AgNPs ( p < 0.001). The AgNPs-vitamin C group showed significantly less degenerative changes histologically and ultrastructurally compared to the AgNPs group ( p = 0.002). AgNPs produced significant toxic effects on the PG of albino rats, presumably through the generation of reactive oxygen species and toxic ion release, and administration of vitamin C was shown effective in decreasing these toxic effects.


2020 ◽  
pp. 096032712094745
Author(s):  
Marwa G Ahmed ◽  
Mona El-Demerdash Ibrahim ◽  
Hoda R El Sayed ◽  
Samah M Ahmed

The declining rate of male fertility is a growing concern. Tributyltin (TBT) is a well-known endocrine disruptor (ED), that induces imposex in female gastropods and is widely used in various industrial applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effects of TBT on the testes of adult albino rats and the possible role of omega-3. Forty two adult male albino rats were divided into five groups; control group (Group I) and four experimental groups: omega-3 treated group, TBT treated group, TBT & omega-3 treated group and follow up group. At the end of the study, the rats were subjected to biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67 and seminal examinations. Our results clarfied that TBT induced a significant decrease in testosterone, FSH, LH and serum glutathione peroxidase levels and a significant increase in the serum Malondialdehyde as compared to the control group. Tributyltin induced disorganization and shrinkage of seminiferous tubules, apoptosis, cellular damage and marked reduction in the germinal epithelium. A significant decrease in the cell proliferation and arrested spermatogenesis were also detected. Seminal analysis of TBT group showed a significant affection of all parameters as compared to other groups. Omega-3 ameliorated all of these hazardous effects. Follow up group still showed toxic effects. In conclusion, TBT has a toxic effect on the testis. Increased testicular oxidative stress, cellular damage and arrest of spermatogenesis with attenuation in antioxidant defenses are all contributing factors. Omega-3 can protect against TBT induced reproductive toxicity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Daniel Teshome ◽  
Chalachew Tiruneh ◽  
Gete Berihun

Moringa stenopetala is a medicinal plant that has been used in Ethiopian traditional medicine as a remedy for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and stomach pain. The study is aimed at assessing the toxicity of the methanol extracts of the seeds of Moringa stenopetala on the developing embryo and fetuses of rats. The seeds of Moringa were extracted by maceration using 80% methanol. The extract (250–1000 mg/kg) was orally administered to pregnant Swiss albino rats from days 6 to12 of gestation. Embryos and fetuses were recovered by laparotomy on gestational day 12 and day 20, respectively, and were assessed for developmental anomalies. On day 20, significant prenatal growth retardation such as reduced litter weight and crown-rump length were observed in near term fetuses of 1000 mg/kg treated rats. Litter weight in 1000 mg/kg and pair-fed control groups was 2.41   g ± 0.108 and 3.08   g ± 0.093 , respectively. Delay in the development of an otic, optic, and olfactory system, as well as a reduction in a number of branchial bars, occurred on day 12 embryos of 1000 mg/kg treated rats. The rate of fetal resorption in 1000 mg/kg and pair-fed control groups was 1.6 ± 0.55 and 0.42 ± 0.52 , respectively. There was also a high incidence of fetal death in the 1000 mg/kg treated group but it was not statistically significant. The offspring’s of Moringa-treated rats did not show gross external malformations at all doses. These findings suggest that the methanol seed extract of Moringa stenopetala is not safe to rat embryos and fetuses. Its toxic effects were evidenced by a significant delay in embryonic and fetal development and an increase in fetal resorptions and fetal death.


Author(s):  
Bharat Rathi ◽  
Sanket Shelke ◽  
Renu Rathi ◽  
Devyani Awari

Introduction: Experimental studies are essential and expected part of a new drug development. The studies are conducted to know about the toxic effects (if any), produced by the drug & to access safety of the drug. Studies also help to ascertain the efficacy of the drug & measures to be taken so as to curtail the toxic effects. Aim & Objective: Study was aimed to do comparative evaluation of antipyretic activity of an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation Dhatryadi Churna and its modified dosage form in experimental albino rats. Materials and Methods: Present study was carried out at Animal house attached with the Institute. 24 healthy Albino wistar rats of either sex weighing 180-200 gm were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups. Pyrexia was induced in rat by subcutaneous injection of 10 mL/kg b.w. of a 20% aqueous suspension of brewer's yeast.  The trial drug Dhatryadi Churna and Dhatryadi Vati administered orally in the form of suspension to the albino rats. Observation and Results: The present result shows that the Dhatryadi Churna (DC) and Dhatryadi Vati (DV) have a significant antipyretic effect in yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Hematological parameters were found to be within the normal biological and laboratory limits on comparison with the values of the control group. Conclusion: Dhatryadi churna and Dhatryadi Vati does not show significant adverse effects on the blood, blood cells, and target organs at the doses used and can be safely used in human being.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Melese Abebe ◽  
Kaleab Asres ◽  
Yonas Bekuretsion ◽  
Samuel Woldkidan ◽  
Eyob Debebe ◽  
...  

Syzygium guineense is an important medicinal plant effective against hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cancer but with no evidence of its teratogenicity. This study was planned to investigate the teratogenic potential of S. guineense leaves on rat embryos and fetuses. Five groups of Wistar albino rats, each consisting of ten pregnant rats, were used as experimental animals. Groups I-III rats were treated with 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of hydroethanolic extract of S. guineense leaves, and groups IV and V were control and ad libitum control, respectively. Rats were treated during day 6–12 of gestation. Embryos and fetuses were retrieved at day 12 and day 20 of gestation, respectively. The embryos were assessed for developmental delays and growth retardation. The fetuses were examined for gross external, skeletal, and visceral anomalies. In 12-day old rat embryos, crown-rump length, number of somites, and morphological scores were significantly reduced by the treatment of 1000 mg/kg of the extract. The external morphological and visceral examinations of rat fetuses did not reveal any detectable structural malformations in the cranial, nasal, oral cavities, and visceral organs. The ossification centers of fetal skull, vertebrae, hyoid, forelimb, and hindlimb bones were not significantly varied across all groups. However, even if not statistically significant, high-dose treated rat fetuses had a reduced number of ossification centers in the sternum, caudal vertebrae, metatarsal, metacarpal, and phalanges. Treatment with the hydroethanolic extract of S. guineense leaves produced no significant skeletal and soft tissue malformations. The plant extract did not produce significant teratogenic effects on rat embryos/fetuses up to 500 mg/kg doses but retarded the growth of embryos at high dose (1000 mg/kg) as evidenced by decreased crown-rump length, number of somites, and morphological scores. Therefore, it is not advisable to take large doses of the plant during pregnancy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-221
Author(s):  
Maria Jesús Lisbona-González ◽  
Candela Reyes-Botella ◽  
Esther Muñoz-Soto ◽  
Maria Victoria Olmedo-Gaya, ◽  
Jorge Moreno-Fernandez ◽  
...  

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ and has central role in interaction with other organs or tissues while propolis can induce lipolysis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide detailed information about adipose tissue homeostasis modifications and body composition during propolis supplement consumption. Twenty male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks) were divided into two groups of 10 animals each and fed for 90 days with two different types of diets: standard for the control group (diet C) and standard diet + 2% propolis (diet P). Thyroid hormones did not show differences, while ghrelin and adiponectin decreased in the group that was fed propolis. Insulin, leptin, and non-esterified fatty acids also increased along with reduced body weight and fat, in addition to increased lean mass when propolis was in the diet. We conclude that propolis could decrease ghrelin and adiponectin but increase non-esterified fatty acids and insulin secretion, which improves body composition.


Author(s):  
Mohamad Reza Nikouei Moghaddam ◽  
Monireh Movahedi ◽  
Maryam Bananej ◽  
Soheil Najafi ◽  
Nahid Beladi Moghadam ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that can lead to some serious disabilities. Despite using various immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs that have therapeutic effects, they cannot reduce its progression completely, and have some unwanted side effects too. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of the β-D-Mannuronic acid [M2000] have been proven in several surveys, and the present research was designed to determine its toxicity and therapeutic effects in MS patients. Methods: This study was performed on 15 MS patients who took 25 mg/kg/day the oral form of the β-D-Mannuronic acid for six months, and 15 healthy people as a control group. Serum levels of Urea, Creatinine, GGT, Vitamin D3, Uric acid, and Anti-Phospholipids were compared to evaluate the therapeutic and possible toxic effects of this drug after this period. Results: Non- toxic effects through the study of Urea, Creatinine, GGT, and non-significant changes in Uric acid and AntiPhospholipids levels, besides a significant rise in Vitamin, D3 levels in the M2000 treated cases were found. Conclusions: Our results suggested that β-D-Mannuronic acid is a safe drug and has no toxicity when administered orally and also has some therapeutic effects in MS patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Eray Alcigir ◽  
Halef Okan Dogan ◽  
Begum Yurdakok Dikmen ◽  
Kubra Dogan ◽  
Sevil Atalay Vural ◽  
...  

Background & Objective: Aroclor 1254 is a widespread toxic compound of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), which can create significant nervous problems. No remedies have been found to date. The aim of this study was to reveal the damage that occurs in the central nervous system of rat pups exposed to Aroclor 1254 in the prenatal period and to show the inhibiting effect of curcumin, which is a strong anti-oxidant and neuroprotective substance. Method: The study established 3 groups of adult female and male Wistar albino rats. The rats were mated within these groups and the offspring rats were evaluated within the group given Aroclor 1254 only (n=10) and the group was given both Aroclor 1254 and curcumin (n=10) and the control group (n=10). The groups were compared in respect of pathomorphological damage. The immunohistochemical evaluation was made of 8-hydroxdeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxynoneal (4HNE), myelin basic protein (MBP) expressions and TUNEL reaction. The biochemical evaluation was made of the changes in the TAS-TOS and Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE) levels. Damage was seen to have been reduced with curcumin in the 8OHdG and TUNEL reactions, especially in the forebrain and the midbrain, although the dosage applied did not significantly change TAS and TOS levels. Consequently, it was understood that Aroclor 1254 caused damage in the central nervous system of the pup in the prenatal period, and curcumin reduced these negative effects, particularly in the forebrain and the midbrain. Conclusion: It was concluded that curcumin could be a potential neuroprotective agent and would be more effective at higher doses.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1332
Author(s):  
Gilda M. Iova ◽  
Horia Calniceanu ◽  
Adelina Popa ◽  
Camelia A. Szuhanek ◽  
Olivia Marcu ◽  
...  

Background: There is a growing interest in the correlation between antioxidants and periodontal disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of oxidative stress and the impact of two antioxidants, curcumin and rutin, respectively, in the etiopathology of experimentally induced periodontitis in diabetic rats. Methods: Fifty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups and were induced with diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: (1) (CONTROL)—control group, (2) (DPP)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis, (3) (DPC)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with curcumin (C), (4) (DPR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with rutin (R) and (5) (DPCR)—experimentally induced diabetes mellitus and periodontitis treated with C and R. We evaluated malondialdehyde (MDA) as a biomarker of oxidative stress and reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG and catalase (CAT) as biomarkers of the antioxidant capacity in blood harvested from the animals we tested. The MDA levels and CAT activities were also evaluated in the gingival tissue. Results: The control group effect was statistically significantly different from any other groups, regardless of whether or not the treatment was applied. There was also a significant difference between the untreated group and the three treatment groups for variables MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT. There was no significant difference in the mean effect for the MDA, GSH, GSSG, GSH/GSSG and CAT variables in the treated groups of rats with curcumin, rutin and the combination of curcumin and rutin. Conclusions: The oral administration of curcumin and rutin, single or combined, could reduce the oxidative stress and enhance the antioxidant status in hyperglycemic periodontitis rats.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 681-685
Author(s):  
Stephen R. Kandall ◽  
Susan Albin ◽  
Joyce Lowinson ◽  
Beatrice Berle ◽  
Arthur I. Eidelman ◽  
...  

An analysis of birthweights of 337 neonates in relation to history of maternal narcotic usage was undertaken Mean birthweight of infants born to mothers abusing heroin during the pregnancy was 2,490 gm, an effect primarily of intrauterine growth retardation. Low mean birthweight (2,615 gm) was also seen in infants born to mothers who had abused heroin only prior to this pregnancy, and mothers who had used both heroin and methadone during the pregnancy (2,535 gm). Infants born to mothers on methadone maintenance during the pregnancy had significantly higher mean birthweights (2,961 gm), but lower than the control group (3,176 gm). A highly significant relationship was observed between maternal methadone dosage in the first trimester and birthweight, i.e., the higher the dosage, the larger the infant. Heroin causes fetal growth retardation, an effect which may persist beyond the period of addiction. Methadone may promote fetal growth in a dose-related fashion after maternal use of heroin.


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