Effect of in utero exposure of Toddy (coconut palm wine) on liver function and lipid metabolism in rat fetuses

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a country liquor Toddy (Coconut palm wine) and an equivalent quantity of ethanol on liver function and lipid metabolism in utero. Female albino rats with an average weight of 125± 5 g were exposed to Toddy from coconut palm (24.5 ml/kg-1 body weight/day) and ethanol (0.52 ml/kg body weight/day) for 15 days before conception and during pregnancy. On day 13 and day 19 of gestation, altered liver function and hyperlipidemia were seen in the fetuses of both the treated groups. Altered liver function was evidenced by the increased activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (aspartate amino transferase (GOT)), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (alanine amino transferase (GPT)). Hyperlipidemia was caused by increased biosynthesis since the incorporation of 14C acetate into lipids and activities of HMG CoA reductase and lipogenic enzymes were elevated. Toddy treated fetuses were more severely affected than those exposed to an equivalent quantity of ethanol. Toddy seemed to potentiate the toxicity induced by alcohol suggesting the role of non alcoholic components. Hepatic functions of the day 13 fetuses were effected to a lesser degree than those in the day 19 hepatic liver.     

Effect of exposure to a country liquor (Toddy) during gestation on lipid metabolism in rats

The objective of this study was to determine theeffects of country liquor Toddy and its equivalentquantity of ethanol on lipid metabolism duringgestation in rats. Female rats weighing an average of125 g were exposed to Toddy (24.5 ml/body weight/day)and ethanol (0.52 ml/kg body weight/day) for 15 daysbefore conception and throughout gestation. On the19th day of gestation, altered liver function andhyperlipidemia was seen in both the treated groups.Altered liver function was evidenced by the increasedactivity of alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehydedehydrogenase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase oraspartate amino transferase (GOT), glutamic pyruvictransaminase or alanine amino transferase (GPT) andgamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). Hyperlipidemiawas caused by increased biosynthesis and decreaseddegradation of lipids. The incorporation of ¹⁴Cacetate in lipids and activities of HMG CoA reductaseand lipogenic enzymes were elevated and activity ofLPL and bile acids contents were decreased. Toddytreated rats were more severely affected than thosereceiving an equivalent quantity of ethanol. Toddyseemed to potentiate the toxicity induced by alcoholindicating the role of the nonethanolic portion.Hepatic functions were also affected.     

Antidiabetic activity evaluation of glimepiride and Nerium oleander extract on insulin, glucose levels and some liver enzymes activities in experimental diabetic rat model

The present study is aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of sulfonylurea drug glimepiride in comparison with Nerium oleander plant extract on insulin, glucose levels and some liver enzymes activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 50 mg kg(-1) body weight streptozotocin. Rats with serum glucose levels > 200 mg dL(-1) were subdivided into three sub-groups: the first sub-group were remained without treatment and considered as diabetics. The second and third subgroups were orally administered 0.1 mg kg(-1) body weight/day glimepiride and 250 mg kg(-1) body weight/day Nerium oleander, respectively for 4 weeks. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia compared to controls. Strong negative correlation (r = -0.8) was found between serum insulin and glucose levels in diabetic rats. This correlation was +0.4 and -0.3 in glimepiride and Nerium olender-treated rats, respectively implying that glimepiride and plant extract improved insulin and glucose levels with the former was more efficient. The activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly increased in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats compared to controls. Treatment of diabetic rats with glimepiride or Nerium oleander extract also improved liver enzymes activities.     

Effect of Green Tea and Vitamin E Combination in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

The present study was aimed to investigate the combined effects of green tea and vitamin E on heart weight, body weight, serum marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, endogenous antioxidants and membrane bound ATPases in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Adult male albino rats, treated with ISO (200 mg/kg, s.c.) for 2 days at an interval of 24 h caused a significant (P < 0.05) elevation of heart weight, serum marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation and Ca⁺² ATPase level whereas there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in body weight, endogenous antioxidants, Na⁺/ K⁺ ATPase and Mg⁺² ATPase levels. Administration of green tea (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) together for 30 consecutive days and challenged with ISO on the day 29th and 30th, showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in heart weight, serum marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, Ca⁺² ATPase and a significant increase in the body weight, endogenous antioxidants, Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase and Mg⁺² ATPase when compared with ISO treated group and green tea or vitamin E alone treated groups. These findings indicate the synergistic protective effect of green tea and vitamin E during ISO induced myocardial infarction in rats.     

茶树花对大鼠致畸作用的研究

为研究茶树花对SD大鼠母体及胎仔的致畸毒性,将交配成功的SD孕鼠随机分为4组,每组至少12只。设供试茶树花提取物0．50、1．00、2．00g／kg三个剂量组及阴性对照组,分别在妊娠的7～16天灌胃给予。妊娠期间记录孕鼠体重,于妊娠第20天断头处死孕鼠,记录着床数、活胎数、死胎数和吸收胎数;检查胎鼠外观、内脏和骨骼,并称胎鼠体重,量体长。结果显示,除低剂量组（0．50g／kg）胎鼠体长显著高于对照组外（P〈0．01）,其余剂量组对孕鼠和胎鼠的各项毒效应观察指标与对照组相比均无显著差异。表明在本试验条件下,茶树花对孕鼠生长和胚胎发育无不良影响和致畸作用。     

5年生种植人参对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能的影响

目的观察5年生种植人参食用对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴的影响,探讨人参食用对机体内分泌系统功能的调节作用。方法正常成年Wistar大鼠随机分为10组,即:对照组,5年生种植人参原粉小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参水提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参醇提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,每组14只。各组大鼠连续灌胃给药3个月,观察下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴变化。结果与对照组比较,人参原粉中、大剂量组和人参醇提物大剂量组均可使正常成年大鼠血浆CRH含量降低(P0.05),人参原粉大剂量组和人参醇提物中、大剂量组均可使正常成年大鼠血浆ACTH的含量降低(P0.05),人参原粉、人参水提物和人参醇提物各剂量组对正常成年大鼠血清GH,肾上腺、垂体脏器系数以及体重均无明显影响(P0.05)。结论人参原粉和人参醇提物对正常成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴具有一定的调节作用。     

5年生种植人参对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴功能的影响

目的观察5年生种植人参食用对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴的影响,探讨人参食用对机体内分泌系统功能的调节作用。方法正常成年Wistar大鼠随机分为10组,即:对照组,5年生种植人参原粉小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参水提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参醇提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,每组14只。各组大鼠连续灌胃给药3个月,观察下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴变化。结果与对照组比较,人参原粉中、大剂量组和人参醇提物大剂量组均可使正常成年大鼠血浆CRH含量降低(P0.05),人参原粉大剂量组和人参醇提物中、大剂量组均可使正常成年大鼠血浆ACTH的含量降低(P0.05),人参原粉、人参水提物和人参醇提物各剂量组对正常成年大鼠血清GH,肾上腺、垂体脏器系数以及体重均无明显影响(P0.05)。结论人参原粉和人参醇提物对正常成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-肾上腺轴具有一定的调节作用。     

Antidiabetic effect of essential oil from Artemisia sieberi growing in Jordan in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil extracted from aerial parts of Artemisia sieberi in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats. Fifty rats were divided into five groups of 10 each. Group I normal rats received 1 mL day(-1) of dimethyl sulfoxide (control); group II normal rats received a single dose (80 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) of essential oil extract of Artemisia sieberi; group III diabetic rats received 1 mL day-of dimethyl sulfoxide; group IV diabetic rats received the oil extract (80 mg kg(-1) b.wt.); group V diabetic rats received metformin (14.2 mg kg(-1) b.wt.). All treatments were orally administered once a day for six weeks. Changes in blood glucose concentration, body weight and food and water intake were measured and the data obtained were compared with that of metformin. The essential oil extract significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose level as well as food and water intake in diabetic rats accompanied by an increase in body weight gain with no apparent side effect when compared with untreated diabetic rats. These effects were found to be closely similar to that of metformin, a common antidiabetic drug. On other hand, no apparent improvement on body weight gain in diabetic rats treated with metformin. In addition, for all parameters measured, the oil extract showed no effect in normal rats. In conclusion, the essential oil of Artemisia sieberi exhibited antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Present findings support the possible use of the essential oil of Artemisia sieberi as a remedy for diabetes mellitus in humans.     

Effect of Exogenous Testosterone,Finasteride, and Castration on Serum Level of Thyroxin

Background: The secretion of thyroxin (T4) as the main hormone of thyroid gland is regulated by androgens. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of T4 and to show the effect of this regulation on total body weight, weight of testis, and the weight of prostate. Methods: Male adult rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8): Group 1 (control), Group 2 (castration), Group 3 (finasteride: 20 mg/kg/day) and Group 4 (testosterone: 5 mg/kg/day). At the end of the study (35 days), serum level of thyroxin, body weight, weight of testis, and prostate were determined. Results: The data showed that the body weight increased in castrated (P = 0.04) and decreased in testosterone (P = 0.00) groups but did not differ in finasteride (P>0.05) group. There were not any differences in the weight of testis among control, finasteride, and testosterone groups but the weight of prostate increased in testosterone group (P = 0.00) and decreased in castrated (P = 0.03) and finasteride groups (P = 0.04). In addition, the serum level of T4 (nmo/ml) decreased in the three groups: finasteride (P = 0.03), testosterone (P = 0.04), and castrated (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Testosterone in both high and low levels decreased the amount of T4 with a time-dependent manner. Key Words: Finasteride, Rats, Testosterone, Thyroxin     

Effect of Marine Collagen Peptides on Physiological and Neurobehavioral Development of Male Rats with Perinatal Asphyxia

Asphyxia during delivery produces long-term deficits in brain development. We investigated the neuroprotective effects of marine collagen peptides (MCPs), isolated from Chum Salmon skin by enzymatic hydrolysis, on male rats with perinatal asphyxia (PA). PA was performed by immersing rat fetuses with uterine horns removed from ready-to-deliver rats into a water bath for 15 min. Caesarean-delivered pups were used as controls. PA rats were intragastrically administered with 0.33 g/kg, 1.0 g/kg and 3.0 g/kg body weight MCPs from postnatal day 0 (PND 0) till the age of 90-days. Behavioral tests were carried out at PND21, PND 28 and PND 90. The results indicated that MCPs facilitated early body weight gain of the PA pups, however had little effects on early physiological development. Behavioral tests revealed that MCPs facilitated long-term learning and memory of the pups with PA through reducing oxidative damage and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain, and increasing hippocampus phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (p-CREB) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression.     

转反义PEP基因油菜超油1号菜籽油毒理性评价

为评价转反义PEP基因油菜超油1号菜籽油的食用安全性,对该样品进行了急性毒性试验和致突变试验.结果表明,转反义PEP基因超高油油菜菜籽油属无毒级,无致突变作用.大鼠90d喂养试验结果显示,各试验组大鼠体重、进食量、食物利用率、血常规、脏体比及病理组织学观察等各项指标与阴性对照均无显著性差异,无作用剂量为10.0ml/kg体重.     

Protein requirements of preschool children consuming rice-milk,rice-toasted mung bean,and rice diets

Rice-milk and rice-toasted mung bean diets, and a high-protein rice (IR58 milled rice) were evaluated as part of a study on the protein requirements of toddlers consuming rice-based diets following the multilevel N balance method. Milk or mung bean contributed 1/3 of dietary N. At a daily energy intake of 418 kJ/kg body weight, weight losses were observed for all diets. The safe level of protein intakes obtained allowing 10 mg N/kg body weight/day for miscellaneous integumental losses and 15 mg N/kg body weight/day for growth was 1.11 g/kg body weight/day for the rice-milk diet and 1.34 g for the rice-mung bean diet. Preliminary data on four children indicate a safe level of protein intake of 1.44 g/kg/day for the IR58 milled rice. The protein quality of the high-protein rice as determined by the very short term N balance index on three children was 79–80% relative to milk.     

The Effects of the Decaffeination of Coffee Samples on Platelet Aggregation in Hyperlipidemic Rats

The effect of coffee on cardiovascular diseases is still controversial. It is known that the process of decaffeination may influence the chemical constitution and, therefore, the biological effects of coffee. This study thus evaluated the effects of decaffeination on the levels of total phenols and chlorogenic acids in Coffea arabica L. samples, as well as the effects of ingesting both integral and decaffeinated coffee on the lipid profile and hemostatic and hematological parameters in normal and hyperlipidemic rats. Samples of integral and decaffeinated lyophilized coffee (Coffea arabica L., planted in Brazil) were used for chemical analysis (total phenols, chlorogenic acid and caffeine contents). For the bioassays, coffee beverages were prepared with non-lyophilized samples (10 % w/v) and were filtered and administered to animals by gavage (7.2 mL/kg/day) over 30 days. On the 31st day after beginning the treatment with coffee beverages, hyperlipidemia was induced to the animals by administering Triton WR-1339 (300 mg/kg body weight). On day 32, blood was taken to determine the lipid profile, platelet aggregation, prothrombin time, partially activated thromboplastin time and hemogram. The contents of both phenolic compounds and chlorogenic acid in the integral coffee beverage were significantly lower than those in the decaffeinated coffee beverage. The animals treated with Triton WR-1339 presented a mixed hyperlipidemia. Although the decaffeination process caused a relative increase in total phenols and chlorogenic acids, the coffee drinks were unable to change the lipid profile or the hemostatic and hematological parameters in the studied animals.     

“紫娟”普洱茶茶褐素对高脂饮食大鼠生长发育的影响

以"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素为对象,研究"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对高脂饮食大鼠生长发育的影响。将实验大鼠分为正常对照组,高脂模型组,低、中、高剂量(即动物给药量0.135、0.405、1.215 g/kg)茶褐素组及阳性对照组。观察"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对大鼠摄食量、饮水量、体质量、体长、肝脏指数的影响;通过电子显微镜观察茶褐素对实验大鼠肝脏病理变化的影响。结果表明:干预期结束后,"紫娟"普洱茶茶褐素对大鼠的进食、饮水、体长无影响;与高脂模型组相比,茶褐素组能抑制高脂饮食大鼠体质量的增长速度,不同程度地抑制了实验大鼠肝脏的脂变,减少肝脏脂肪沉积,具有预防实验动物脂肪肝形成的作用,中、高剂量茶褐素组效果尤为明显(P<0.5)。     

Effects of cabergoline on the fertility of female mice during early and late pregnancy,and potential for its use in mouse control

To evaluate the dose effects of cabergoline on the fertility of female mice during early or late pregnancy, cabergoline was continuously administered by gastrogavage for three days within 1 day to 3 day or 15 day to 17 day of gestation. The body mass, reproductive rate, litter size at birth and weaning of females, as well as the body mass, survival rate of pups, were recorded. During early pregnancy, cabergoline treatment effectively terminated the pregnancy of mice. Cabergoline (100 μg/kg) was half effective in terminating pregnancy and significantly reduced the average litter size and survival rate of pups compared with those of the controls. Cabergoline treatment of 200 and 400 μg/kg completely terminated pregnancy of mice and induced incomplete restoration of fertility (40% and 44%, respectively) even at the second cycle of reproduction. During late pregnancy, cabergoline did not change the litter size at birth but significantly reduced the litter size at weaning and the survival rate of pups, 400 μg/kg cabergoline markedly reduced the survival rate to 77% compared with the controls. The death of pups mainly occurred during seven days after parturition. Cabergoline had no significant difference on the average body mass of surviving pups in treated groups compared with controls during lactation. In conclusion, cabergoline may inhibit or reduce the reproduction of female mice, and demonstrate different dose effects on the fertility during early or late pregnancy. Together with infertility efficacy in phase prior to mating and lactation, cabergoline is a potential fertility control agent for pest rodent control.     

5年生种植人参对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴的调节作用

目的观察5年生种植人参食用对成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴的影响,探讨人参食用对机体内分泌系统功能的调节作用。方法正常成年Wistar大鼠随机分为10组,即:对照组,5年生种植人参原粉小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参水提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参醇提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,每组14只。各组大鼠连续灌胃给药3个月,观察下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴的变化。结果与对照组比较,人参原粉中、大剂量组,人参水提物大剂量组和人参醇提物中、大剂量组均可使正常成年大鼠血清FSH的含量降低(P0.05或P0.01),人参原粉中剂量组可以使正常大鼠前列腺脏器系数升高(P0.05),人参原粉小、大剂量组可以使正常大鼠睾丸+附睾脏器系数升高(P0.05),人参原粉、人参水提物和人参醇提物各剂量组对正常成年雄性大鼠血清T、Cor.及海绵体组织中NO的含量,雌性大鼠血清E2、Cor.的含量,血清中LH的含量及阴茎、子宫和卵巢脏器系数均无明显影响(P0.05)。结论人参原粉、人参水提物和人参醇提物对正常成年大鼠下丘脑-垂体-性腺轴具有一定的调节作用。     

Antihyperlipidemic Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aronia melanocarpa</Emphasis> Fruit Juice in Rats Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

Aronia melanocrpa fruit juice (AMFJ) used in our experiment was very rich in phenolic substances (709.3 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 ml juice). Anthocyanins (106.8 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 ml juice) were the main flavonoid group. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of AMFJ on plasma lipids and lipoprotein profile, and histopathology of liver and aorta in rats with dietary-induced hyperlipidemia. AMFJ was administered by gavage for 30 days at doses of 5, 10 and 20 ml/kg body weight to rats fed a standard diet (SD) or a 4% cholesterol-containing diet (4% ChD). The 4% ChD caused a significant elevation of plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). AMFJ did not significantly influence plasma lipids in rats fed the SD and significantly hindered the elevation of plasma TC, LDL-C and TG in rats fed the 4% ChD. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were not significantly influenced either by the 4% ChD or by AMFJ. Neither the cholesterol feeding, nor AMFJ treatment induced any histopathological changes in rat liver and aorta. In conclusion, AMFJ showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in rats with hyperlipidemia and could be valuable in reducing this factor of cardiovascular risk.     

美国花生生产与科学研究Ⅲ.花生育种

简要介绍了美国花生育种所面临的国内消费与政策形势,综述了美国花生抗病虫育种、优质育种、早熟育种、饲用多年生花生育种的研究成就和动向。     

Histopathological effects of short and long-term treatment of Orchis antolica crude root extract on female albino rats fertility and pregnancy

The present study has investigated the effects of Orchis antolica (dose of 400 mg/kg/Body Wight) on female rats reproductive system for two time periods 4 and 12 weeks. Forty adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two treatment and two control groups of 10 rats each. The two treated groups received 400 mg/kg/body weight of Orchis antolica for two periods of 4 and 12 weeks. Female rats were allowed mating with untreated males when treatment ended. Pregnancy parameters such as: total number of pregnancy, body weight, reproductive organ weight, number of implantation sites, number of resorption sites and number of viable fetuses. The significance of these results was calculated using student's "t" and Chi- square tests. Treatment with Orchis antolica for 4 weeks did not have any significant effects on most parameters investigated except for a slight increase in the relative ovarian and embryo weights. Orchis antolica for 12 weeks induces a significant increased in the percentage of pregnancies and the number of implantation sites when compared with controls. Further, an increase in ovarian weights and in viable fetuses count was also observed. Histological sections of treated female ovaries were found to have an empty blood vessels within the cortical and modularly regions. We also noted an increased in the developing follicles at primary and secondary stages in addition to an absence of degenerative areas and increased cellularity in medulla. Long-term treatment with Orchis antolica might lead to diversified positive effects on fertility and pregnancy in female rats.     

普洱茶提取物对自发性高血压大鼠降压研究

采用自发高血压大鼠（SHR）进行普洱茶提取物降压功效的研究。给予普洱茶提取物0.25、0.5、1.0、2.0g/kg灌胃4周,观察动物的血压、心率、体重变化。结果显示,以普洱茶提取物1.0g/kg和2.0g/kg灌胃4周,对动物的平均动脉压、收缩压和舒张压均有降低作用,与模型组间存在显著差异（P<0.01）。普洱茶提取物0.25g/kg和0.5g/kg组动物血压较模型组没有显著性改变。普洱茶提取物2.0g/kg可提高动物的心率,有抑制其体重增长的趋势;其他剂量组动物的心率及体重增长均无显著变化。研究表明,普洱茶提取物对自发高血压大鼠具有降压作用,且具有剂量依赖性。