Marwa Mahmood Ahmad

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder of glucose metabolism that threatens several organs, including the submandibular (SMG) salivary glands. Antox (ANX) is a strong multivitamin with significant antioxidant benefits. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the beneficial roles of ANX supplementation in combination with insulin in alleviating diabetic SMG changes. For four weeks, 30 rats were divided into equal five groups (n = 6): (1) control group; (2) diabetic group (DM), with DM induced by streptozotocin (STZ) injection (50 mg/kg i.p.); (3) DM + ANX group: ANX was administrated (10 mg/kg/day/once daily/orally); (4) DM + insulin group: insulin was administrated 1U once/day/s.c.; and (5) DM + insulin + ANX group: co-administrated insulin. The addition of ANX to insulin in diabetic rats alleviated hyposalivation and histopathological alterations associated with diabetic rats. Remarkably, combined ANX and insulin exerted significant antioxidant effects, suppressing inflammatory and apoptotic pathways associated with increased salivary advanced glycation end-product (AGE) production and receptor for advanced glycation end-product expression (RAGE) activation in diabetic SMG tissues. Combined ANX and insulin administration in diabetic rats was more effective in alleviating SMG changes (functions and structures) than administration of insulin alone, exerting suppressive effects on AGE production and frustrating RAGE downstream pathways.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a man-made fluorinated compound employed in a variety of industrial and civilian applications. Due to its long elimination half-life and promotion of oxidative stress and inflammation, it is one of the most abundant organic contaminants. The present study was designed to determine the cytotoxic effect of PFOS on adult male rat cardiac tissue and to assess the cardioprotective role of the flavonoid quercetin (Que), which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. Twenty-four adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: Group I (Control). Group II (Que) received Que (75 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) by oral gavage. Group III (PFOS group): supplemented orally with PFOS (20 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) and Group IV (PF OS/Que). The rat heart was processed for histological, immunohistochemical, and gene expression studies. The PFOS group showed histological alterations in the myocardium that were partially reversed by the administration of Que. The inflammatory biomarkers (TNF, IL-6, and IL-1), lipid profile, TSH, MDA, and serum cardiac enzymes (LDH and CK-MB) were all altered. These findings collectively suggest that PFOS had adverse effects on the cardiac muscle structure, and these effects were alleviated by quercetin, which is a promising cardioprotective flavonoid.

Background: The fluorinated substance perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a man-made fluorinated compound. It is employed in a variety of industrial and civilian applications. Due to its long elimination half-life and promotion of oxidative stress and inflammation, it is one of the most abundant organic contaminants. The effect of PFOS exposure on the heart, on the other hand, is still quite limited. Aim of work: This study was designed to determine the cytotoxic effect of PFOS on adult male albino rat cardiac tissue and to assess the cardioprotective role of the flavonoid Quercetin (Que), which possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic characteristics. Material and methods: Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four equal groups; Group I (Control). Group II (Que). Group III (PFOS group): supplemented orally with PFOS (20 mg/kg for 4 weeks) and Group IV (PF OS/Que). The rat heart was processed for histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression studies Results: Compared with the control and Que groups, the PFOS group displayed histopathological changes in the myocardium involving disrupted cardiac muscle fibers, congested blood capillaries, inflammatory cellular infiltration and increased the mean area % of the intervening collagen fibers. In addition, this group displayed a weak immunoexpression of connexin 43 (CX43) with a strong immunoexpression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). PFOS increased the serum cardiac enzymes (LDH and CK-MB), lipid profile, TSH, MDA, and the inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β). Also, PFOS induced over expression of apoptotic and SERCA2a genes. On the other hand, PFOS decreased total T3, T4 and the antioxidant enzymes; CAT and SOD. Administration of Que with PFOS partially attenuated the PFOS-induced histological and bimolecular changes. Conclusion: PFOS had adverse effects on the cardiac muscle structure and these effects were alleviated by Que which is a promising cardioprotective flavenoid.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid problem that can be experimentally induced by the anti-thyroid drugs as Carbimazole. Hypothyroidism is recorded to affect the salivary glands. Aim: To assess the therapeutic ability of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) on the parotid tissue in a hypothyroidism experimentally induced rat model. Material and methods: The animals were distributed into: (1) Control group was subdivided into: group 1: got an oral dose of distilled water daily for 3-weeks, group 2: received 2 ml/kg/day corn oil dosage for 4-weeks, (2) Hypothyroidism-Induced Group received an oral dose of 1.35 mg/kg/day Carbimazole for 3-weeks, (3) Hypothyroidism-ALA group: received an oral dose of 1.35mg/kg/day Carbimazole for 3 weeks then a 60 mg/kg/day ALA oral dosage for another 4-weeks, (4) ALA Group: received a dose of 60mg/kg/day ALA orally for 4-weeks. Estimation of the body, gland weights, T3, T4 and TSH hormones levels was performed. A histopathological and statistical study of the parotid tissue was performed. Results: In hypothyroid rats, the acinar cells showed irregular heterochromatic nucleus, cytoplasmic vacuolations and cellular infiltration. The striated and interlobar ducts showed dilatation and hyperplasia. In comparison with the control group, the hypothyroid rats exhibited a significant rise in area percentage of LC3 immune-expression, diameters of acini and ducts and TSH level with a significant decrease in T3 level, the numbers of the ducts and acini. On ALA use, all those findings were improved. Conclusion: ALA serves as a good therapeutic agent leading to an obvious improvement in the parotid gland histopathological features.

Introduction: Perinatal periods are critical phases in the development of testis, and it is sentient to the surrounding environmental pollutants. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure as a consequence of excessive use of cell phones might be one of such pollutants. Aim of the work: This study was designed to evaluate the impact of pre-and postnatal exposure to cell phone radiations on the development of rats’ testes.Methods: Sixteen healthy pregnant female rats were used in the current work. The dams were exposed to EMR of cell phone 2 hours /day from the 6th day of pregnancy, throughout lactation until weaning. We also used corresponding control dams kept away from any radiation. The male pups of both groups were subdivided into three groups (n = 10); according to their age at the time of scarification; group A; scarified at first postnatal day (PND 1), B (PND 21), and C (PND 70). Testes of each group were excised and processed for light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) studies. Assessment of oxidative parameters, semen analysis and morphometric analysis were conducted on each group.Results: Various degenerative changes in the structure of rat testis were noticed in EMR-exposed animals which were assured by the significant changes in morphometric parameters. Besides, the oxidative stress status because of EMR-exposure was evident. Sperm parameters of rats at PND 70 were markedly decreased in the exposed animals compared with controls regarding sperm count and motility with an increase in abnormal forms. Conclusion: Serious effects might result from excessive EMR exposure on developing testis.

Background: Methimazole (MMZ), has been the drug of choice in treatment of human hyperthyroidism for several decades,however its administration may result in unfavorable effects. The spleen can reflect this drug induced immune-toxicity. Nigellasativa oil (NSO) has potent immune-protective action.Aim: The current study aimed to determine the alternation in the structure of the spleen and hematological parameters as aresult of MMZ administration and if NSO has protective role in such case.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on twenty five adult male albino rats, divided into five groups (n=5),group I served as control, group II received 0.25ml/kg/day of NSO started two weeks before the experiment and continuetill its end (for 6 weeks), group III subjected to surgical thyroidectomy, group IV rats treated with MMZ (20 mg/kg/day) andgroup V pretreated with NSO for 2 weeks and then accompanied with MMZ for 4 weeks in the same dose of group II and IVrespectively. At the end of the experiment, spleen specimens were taken and processed for H&E and immunohistochemicalstains (CD4and Ki67) in addition to hematological analysis.Results: Remarkable alternations in the structure of the spleen were noticed in rats treated with MMZ. Moreover, RBCs andWBCs counts were reduced in MMZ- treated group. NSO co- administration with MMZ revealed partial improvement inhistological structure of the spleen and blood picture.Conclusion: MMZ drug has an obvious immuntoxic effect on the spleen and NSO has relevant protective action.