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  1. Hispidacine, an unusual 8,4'-oxyneolignan-alkaloid with vasorelaxant activity, and hispiloscine, an antiproliferative phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, from Ficus hispida Linn
    Yap VA, Loong BJ, Ting KN, Loh SH, Yong KT, Low YY, et al.
    Phytochemistry, 2015 Jan;109:96-102.
    PMID: 25468714 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2014.10.032
    Hispidacine, an 8,4'-oxyneolignan featuring incorporation of an unusual 2-hydroxyethylamine moiety at C-7, and hispiloscine, a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, were isolated from the stem-bark and leaves of the Malaysian Ficus hispida Linn. Their structures were established by spectroscopic analysis. Hispidacine induced a moderate vasorelaxant activity in rat isolated aorta, while hispiloscine showed appreciable antiproliferative activities against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, A549, HCT-116 and MRC-5 cell lines.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  2. Propolis ameliorates tumor nerosis factor-α, nitric oxide levels, caspase-3 and nitric oxide synthase activities in kainic acid mediated excitotoxicity in rat brain
    Swamy M, Suhaili D, Sirajudeen KN, Mustapha Z, Govindasamy C
    Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med, 2014;11(5):48-53.
    PMID: 25395704
    BACKGROUND: Increased nitric oxide (NO), neuronal inflammation and apoptosis have been proposed to be involved in excitotoxicity plays a part in many neurodegenerative diseases. To understand the neuro-protective effects of propolis, activities of Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and caspase-3 along with NO and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were studied in cerebral cortex (CC), cerebellum (CB) and brain stem (BS) in rats supplemented with propolis prior to excitotoxic injury with kainic acid (KA).

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n=6 rats per group) as Control, KA, Propolis and KA+Propolis. The control group and KA group have received vehicle and saline. Propolis group and propolis + KA group were orally administered with propolis (150 mg/kg body weight), five times every 12 hours. KA group and propolis +KA group were injected subcutaneously with kainic acid (15 mg/kg body weight) and were sacrificed after 2 hrs. CC, CB and BS were separated, homogenized and used for estimation of NOS, caspase-3, NO and TNF-α by commercial kits. Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA, reported as mean + SD (n=6 rats), and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

    RESULTS: The concentration of NO, TNF-α, NOS and caspase-3 activity were increased significantly (p<0.001) in all the three brain regions tested in KA group compared to the control. Propolis supplementation significantly (p<0.001) prevented the increase in NOS, NO, TNF-α and caspase-3 due to KA.

    CONCLUSION: Results of this study clearly demonstrated that the propolis supplementation attenuated the NOS, caspase-3 activities, NO, and TNF-α concentration and in KA mediated excitotoxicity. Hence propolis can be a possible potential protective agent against excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative disorders.

    Matched MeSH terms: Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  3. In vitro and in vivo study of hazardous effects of Ag nanoparticles and Arginine-treated multi walled carbon nanotubes on blood cells: application in hemodialysis membranes
    Zare-Zardini H, Amiri A, Shanbedi M, Taheri-Kafrani A, Kazi SN, Chew BT, et al.
    J Biomed Mater Res A, 2015 Sep;103(9):2959-65.
    PMID: 25690431 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35425
    One of the novel applications of the nanostructures is the modification and development of membranes for hemocompatibility of hemodialysis. The toxicity and hemocompatibility of Ag nanoparticles and arginine-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT-Arg) and possibility of their application in membrane technology are investigated here. MWNT-Arg is prepared by amidation reactions, followed by characterization by FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed a good hemocompatibility and the hemolytic rates in the presence of both MWNT-Arg and Ag nanoparticles. The hemolytic rate of Ag nanoparticles was lower than that of MWNT-Arg. In vivo study revealed that Ag nanoparticle and MWNT-Arg decreased Hematocrit and mean number of red blood cells (RBC) statistically at concentration of 100 µg mL(-1) . The mean decrease of RBC and Hematocrit for Ag nanoparticles (18% for Hematocrit and 5.8 × 1,000,000/µL) was more than MWNT-Arg (20% for Hematocrit and 6 × 1000000/µL). In addition, MWNT-Arg and Ag nanoparticles had a direct influence on the White Blood Cell (WBC) drop. Regarding both nanostructures, although the number of WBC increased in initial concentration, it decreased significantly at the concentration of 100 µg mL(-1) . It is worth mentioning that the toxicity of Ag nanoparticle on WBC was higher than that of MWNT-Arg. Because of potent antimicrobial activity and relative hemocompatibility, MWNT-Arg could be considered as a new candidate for biomedical applications in the future especially for hemodialysis membranes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  4. Fulltext Therapeutic efficacy of vitamin E δ-tocotrienol in collagen-induced rat model of arthritis
    Haleagrahara N, Swaminathan M, Chakravarthi S, Radhakrishnan A
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:539540.
    PMID: 25114906 DOI: 10.1155/2014/539540
    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease primarily involving inflammation of the joints. Although the management of the disease has advanced significantly in the past three decades, there is still no cure for RA. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of δ-tocotrienol, in the rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of collagen type II emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. CIA rats were orally treated with δ-tocotrienol (10 mg/kg) or glucosamine hydrochloride (300 mg/kg) from day 25 to 50. Efficacy was assessed based on the ability to reduce paw edema, histopathological changes, suppression of collagen-specific T-cells, and a reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. It was established that δ-tocotrienol had the most significant impact in lowering paw edema when compared to glucosamine treatment. Paw edema changes correlated well with histopathological analysis where there was a significant reversal of changes in groups treated with δ-tocotrienol. The results suggest that δ-tocotrienol is efficient in amelioration of collagen-induced arthritis. Vitamin E delta-tocotrienol may be of therapeutic value against rheumatoid arthritis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  5. Fulltext IGF-1 enhances cell proliferation and survival during early differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to neural progenitor-like cells
    Huat TJ, Khan AA, Pati S, Mustafa Z, Abdullah JM, Jaafar H
    BMC Neurosci, 2014;15:91.
    PMID: 25047045 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-15-91
    There has been increasing interest recently in the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their potential to differentiate into neural lineages. To unravel the roles and effects of different growth factors in the differentiation of MSCs into neural lineages, we have differentiated MSCs into neural lineages using different combinations of growth factors. Based on previous studies of the roles of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in neural stem cell isolation in the laboratory, we hypothesized that IGF-1 can enhance proliferation and reduce apoptosis in neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) during differentiation of MSCs into NCPs.We induced MSCs differentiation under four different combinations of growth factors: (A) EGF + bFGF, (B) EGF + bFGF + IGF-1, (C) EGF + bFGF + LIF, (D) EGF + bFGF + BDNF, and (E) without growth factors, as a negative control. The neurospheres formed were characterized by immunofluorescence staining against nestin, and the expression was measured by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also studied by MTS and Annexin V assay, respectively, at three different time intervals (24 hr, 3 days, and 5 days). The neurospheres formed in the four groups were then terminally differentiated into neuron and glial cells.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  6. Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. cultivated under tropical conditions: isolation of hericenones and demonstration of NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells via MEK/ERK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways
    Phan CW, Lee GS, Hong SL, Wong YT, Brkljača R, Urban S, et al.
    Food Funct, 2014 Dec;5(12):3160-9.
    PMID: 25288148 DOI: 10.1039/c4fo00452c
    Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr.) Pers. is an edible and medicinal mushroom used traditionally to improve memory. In this study, we investigated the neuritogenic effects of hericenones isolated from H. erinaceus and the mechanisms of action involved. H. erinaceus was cultivated and the secondary metabolites were elucidated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The secondary metabolites were tested for neurite outgrowth activity (if any). Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were employed and the nerve growth factor (NGF) level was also determined. The signaling pathways involved in the mushroom-induced neuritogenesis were investigated using several pharmacological inhibitors. Hericenones B-E (1-4), erinacerin A (5) and isohericerin (6) were isolated from the basidiocarps of H. erinaceus. The hericenones did not promote neurite outgrowth but when induced with a low concentration of NGF (5 ng mL(-1)), the neuritogenic activity was comparable to that of the positive control (50 ng mL(-1) of NGF). Hericenone E was able to stimulate NGF secretion which was two-fold higher than that of the positive control. The neuritogenesis process was partially blocked by the tyrosine kinase receptor (Trk) inhibitor, K252a, suggesting that the neuritogenic effect was not solely due to NGF. Hericenone E also increased the phosphorylation of extracellular-signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and protein kinase B (Akt). Taken together, this study suggests that hericenone E potentiated NGF-induced neuritogenesis in PC12 cells via the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  7. Fulltext Chlorophytum borivilianum root extract maintains near normal blood glucose, insulin and lipid profile levels and prevents oxidative stress in the pancreas of streptozotocin-induced adult male diabetic rats
    Giribabu N, Kumar KE, Rekha SS, Muniandy S, Salleh N
    Int J Med Sci, 2014;11(11):1172-84.
    PMID: 25249786 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.9056
    The effect of C. borivilianum root on blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbAIc), insulin and lipid profile levels in diabetes mellitus are not fully understood. This study therefore investigated the effect of C. borivilianum root on the above parameters and oxidative stress of the pancreas in diabetes.
    METHODS: C. borivilianum root aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) was administered to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced male diabetic rats for 28 days. Body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin, lipid profile levels and glucose homeostasis indices were determined. Histopathological changes and oxidative stress parameters i.e. lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes activity levels of the pancreas were investigated.
    RESULTS: C. borivilianum root extract treatment to diabetic rats maintained near normal body weight, blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and insulin levels with higher HOMA-β cell functioning index, number of Islets/pancreas, number of β-cells/Islets however with lower HOMA-insulin resistance (IR) index as compared to non-treated diabetic rats. Negative correlations between serum insulin and blood glucose, HbA1c, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were observed. C. borivilianum root extract administration prevented the increase in lipid peroxidation and the decrease in activity levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) with mild histopathological changes in the pancreas of diabetic rats.
    CONCLUSIONS: C. borivilianum root maintains near normal levels of these metabolites and prevented oxidative stress-induced damage to the pancreas in diabetes.
    KEYWORDS: Chlorophytum borivilianum; diabetes; glucose; lipid profile; oxidative stress.; pancreas
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  8. Fulltext Intrastrain comparison of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus giganteus, and its potent neuritogenic properties
    Phan CW, David P, Tan YS, Naidu M, Wong KH, Kuppusamy UR, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:378651.
    PMID: 25121118 DOI: 10.1155/2014/378651
    Two strains of Pleurotus giganteus (commercial and wild) were tested for their ability to induce neurite outgrowth in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) and mouse neuroblastoma-2a (N2a) cells. Treatment with the mushroom extracts resulted in neuronal differentiation and neuronal elongation, but not nerve growth factor (NGF) production. Linoleic acid (4.5-5.0%, w/w) which is a major fatty acid present in the ethanol extract promoted NGF biosynthesis when augmented with low concentration of NGF (5 ng/mL). The two strains of mushroom were found to be high in protein (154-192 g kg(-1)), total polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids as well as vitamins B1, B2, and B3. The total phenolics present in the mushroom extracts were positively correlated to the antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and lipid peroxidation inhibition). To conclude, P. giganteus could potentially be used in well-balanced diet and as a source of dietary antioxidant to promote neuronal health.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  9. Detection of Candida albicans ADH1 and ADH2 mRNAs in human archival oral biopsy samples
    Bakri MM, Cannon RD, Holmes AR, Rich AM
    J Oral Pathol Med, 2014 Oct;43(9):704-10.
    PMID: 24931506 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12193
    The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between expression of Candida albicans alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH) genes in archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from biopsies of leukoplakia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  10. Synthesis of α, β-unsaturated carbonyl based compounds as acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: characterization, molecular modeling, QSAR studies and effect against amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity
    Bukhari SN, Jantan I, Masand VH, Mahajan DT, Sher M, Naeem-ul-Hassan M, et al.
    Eur J Med Chem, 2014 Aug 18;83:355-65.
    PMID: 24980117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.06.034
    A series of novel carbonyl compounds was synthesized by a simple, eco-friendly and efficient method. These compounds were screened for anti-oxidant activity, in vitro cytotoxicity and for inhibitory activity for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. The effect of these compounds against amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity was also investigated. Among them, compound 14 exhibited strong free radical scavenging activity (18.39 μM) while six compounds (1, 3, 4, 13, 14, and 19) were found to be the most protective against Aβ-induced neuronal cell death in PC12 cells. Compounds 4 and 14, containing N-methyl-4-piperidone linker, showed high acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity as compared to reference drug donepezil. Molecular docking and QSAR (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) studies were also carried out to determine the structural features that are responsible for the acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  11. Fulltext Evaluation of cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic properties of boldine in breast cancer using in vitro and in vivo models
    Paydar M, Kamalidehghan B, Wong YL, Wong WF, Looi CY, Mustafa MR
    Drug Des Devel Ther, 2014;8:719-33.
    PMID: 24944509 DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S58178
    To date, plants have been the major source of anticancer drugs. Boldine is a natural alkaloid commonly found in the leaves and bark of Peumus boldus. In this study, we found that boldine potently inhibited the viability of the human invasive breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 (48-hour IC₅₀ 46.5±3.1 μg/mL) and MDA-MB-468 (48-hour IC₅₀ 50.8±2.7 μg/mL). Boldine had a cytotoxic effect and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells as indicated by a higher amount of lactate dehydrogenase released, membrane permeability, and DNA fragmentation. In addition, we demonstrated that boldine induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. The anticancer mechanism is associated with disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential and release of cytochrome c in MDA-MB-231. Boldine selectively induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3/7, but not caspase-8. We also found that boldine could inhibit nuclear factor kappa B activation, a key molecule in tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, protein array and Western blotting analysis showed that treatment with boldine resulted in downregulation of Bcl-2 and heat shock protein 70 and upregulation of Bax in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. An acute toxicity study in rats revealed that boldine at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight was well tolerated. Moreover, intraperitoneal injection of boldine (50 or 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced tumor size in an animal model of breast cancer. Our results suggest that boldine is a potentially useful agent for the treatment of breast cancer.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  12. Postcoital administration of RU486 induces a hormonally under-stimulated rat endometrium
    Theron KE, Penny CB, Hosie MJ
    Reprod Biol, 2014 Sep;14(3):224-33.
    PMID: 25152521 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.04.005
    RU486 is a partial progesterone and estrogen receptor antagonist, functioning to actively silence progesterone receptor gene-associated transcription. For this reason, it has been used as both a contraceptive and an abortive agent. In the present study, cellular and gene specific effects of RU486 were investigated in a rat model of early pregnancy, including key phases of the window of receptivity and early implantation. As these stages are hormonally regulated by progesterone and estrogens, the focus here was to elucidate the mechanism of action of a single dose of RU486, used as a postcoital contraceptive, to successfully prevent implantation of a viable blastocyst. Immunofluorescent techniques were used to examine the change in protein levels of PR in RU486-treated endometria at days 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 of pregnancy. Changes in the Pgr gene expression level as a consequence of RU486 administration was evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The progesterone receptor gene and protein expression was ubiquitously decreased throughout pregnancy as a direct consequence of RU486 administration. The overall effects of postcoital RU486 administration during early pregnancy indicate highly effective inhibition of progesterone and estrogen effects on the endometrium, mediated by their receptors. More specifically, the expression and localization of the progesterone receptor mirrors that described in ovariectomized animal models, suggesting a hormonally under-stimulated endometrium. Clearly from the present study, the precise priming of the endometrium by progesterone, in preparation for blastocyst implantation, is severely impaired by RU486, thus predisposing the uterus to pregnancy failure.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats, Wistar
  13. Quercetin glycosides induced neuroprotection by changes in the gene expression in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease
    Magalingam KB, Radhakrishnan A, Ramdas P, Haleagrahara N
    J Mol Neurosci, 2015 Mar;55(3):609-17.
    PMID: 25129099 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0400-x
    Quercetin glycosides, rutin and isoquercitrin, are potent antioxidants that have been found to possess neuroprotective effect in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, we have examined the gene expression changes with rutin and isoquercitrin pretreatment on 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated toxicity in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells were pretreated with rutin or isoquercitrin and subsequently exposed to 6-OHDA. Rutin-pretreated PC12 attenuated the Park2, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and Casp7 genes which were expressed significantly in the 6-OHDA-treated PC12 cells. Rutin upregulated the TH gene which is important in dopamine biosynthesis, but isoquercitrin pretreatment did not affect the expression of this gene. Both rutin and isoquercitrin pretreatments upregulated the ion transport and antiapoptotic genes (NSF and Opa1). The qPCR array data were further validated by qRT-PCR using four primers, Park5, Park7, Casp3, and TH. This finding suggests that changes in the expression levels of transcripts encoded by genes that participate in ubiquitin pathway and dopamine biosynthesis may be involved in Parkinson's disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  14. Physical properties and biocompatibility of oligochitosan membrane film as wound dressing
    Ujang Z, Abdul Rashid AH, Suboh SK, Halim AS, Lim CK
    J Appl Biomater Funct Mater, 2014 Dec 30;12(3):155-62.
    PMID: 24700269 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.5000190
    BACKGROUND: The physical and biological characteristics of oligochitosan (O-C) film, including its barrier and mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility, were studied to assess its potential use as a wound dressing.

    METHODS: Membrane films were prepared from water-soluble O-C solution blended with various concentrations of glycerol to modify the physical properties of the films. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility evaluations were performed using primary human skin fibroblast cultures and subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, respectively.

    RESULTS: Addition of glycerol significantly influenced the barrier and mechanical properties of the films. Water absorption capacity was in the range of 80%-160%, whereas water vapor transmission rate varied from 1,180 to 1,618 g/m2 per day. Both properties increased with increasing glycerol concentration. Tensile strength decreased while elongation at break increased with the addition of glycerol. O-C films were found to be noncytotoxic to human fibroblast cultures and histological examination proved that films are biocompatible.

    CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the membrane film from O-C has potential application as a wound-dressing material.

    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  15. Fulltext Toxicity and metabolism of layered double hydroxide intercalated with levodopa in a Parkinson's disease model
    Kura AU, Ain NM, Hussein MZ, Fakurazi S, Hussein-Al-Ali SH
    Int J Mol Sci, 2014;15(4):5916-27.
    PMID: 24722565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15045916
    Layered hydroxide nanoparticles are generally biocompatible, and less toxic than most inorganic nanoparticles, making them an acceptable alternative drug delivery system. Due to growing concern over animal welfare and the expense of in vivo experiments both the public and the government are interested to find alternatives to animal testing. The toxicity potential of zinc aluminum layered hydroxide (ZAL) nanocomposite containing anti-Parkinsonian agent may be determined using a PC 12 cell model. ZAL nanocomposite demonstrated a decreased cytotoxic effect when compared to levodopa on PC12 cells with more than 80% cell viability at 100 µg/mL compared to less than 20% cell viability in a direct levodopa exposure. Neither levodopa-loaded nanocomposite nor the un-intercalated nanocomposite disturbed the cytoskeletal structure of the neurogenic cells at their IC50 concentration. Levodopa metabolite (HVA) released from the nanocomposite demonstrated the slow sustained and controlled release character of layered hydroxide nanoparticles unlike the burst uptake and release system shown with pure levodopa treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  16. Anxiolytic-like effects of mitragynine in the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests in rats
    Hazim AI, Ramanathan S, Parthasarathy S, Muzaimi M, Mansor SM
    J Physiol Sci, 2014 May;64(3):161-9.
    PMID: 24464759 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-014-0304-0
    The effects of mitragynine on anxiety-related behaviours in the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests were evaluated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally treated with mitragynine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) or diazepam (10 mg/kg) 60 min before behavioural testing. Mitragynine doses used in this study were selected on the basis of approximately human equivalent doses with reference to our previous literature reports. Acute administration of mitragynine (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) or diazepam (10 mg/kg) increased central zone and open arms exploration in the open-field and elevated plus-maze tests respectively. These anxiolytic-like effects of mitragynine were effectively antagonized by intraperitoneal administration of naloxone (2 mg/kg), flumazenil (10 mg/kg), sulpiride (0.5 mg/kg) or SCH 23390 (0.02 mg/kg) 15 min before mitragynine treatments. These findings reveal that the acute administration of mitragynine produces anxiolytic-like effects and this could be possibly attributed to the interactions among opioidergic, GABAergic and dopaminergic systems in brain regions involved in anxiety.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  17. Experimental fracture protocols in assessments of potential agents for osteoporotic fracture healing using rodent models
    Ibrahim N', Mohamad S, Mohamed N, Shuid AN
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(14):1642-50.
    PMID: 24350807
    Osteoporosis may cause bone fracture even under slight trauma. Osteoporotic fracture has become a major public health problem but until today, the treatments available are not satisfactory. Many pre-clinical testings on animals were done to find new agents that can be sourced from natural products and synthetic drugs for osteoporotic fracture healing. Animal models are more appropriate for fracture healing study than human subject due to several reasons including the ethical issues involved. The bones of rodents are similar to human in term of their morphological change and response to therapy. Small rodents such as rats and mice are suitable animal models for fracture healing studies as they have a similar bone remodeling system to human. To date, there is no specific guideline to carry out fracture healing studies in animal models for the evaluation of new agents. This paper highlights the protocols of various fracture and fixation methods for experimental osteoporotic fracture healing using rodent models.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  18. Fulltext Enhancement of BDNF concentration and restoration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis accompany reduced depressive-like behaviour in stressed ovariectomised rats treated with either Tualang honey or estrogen
    Al-Rahbi B, Zakaria R, Othman Z, Hassan A, Ahmad AH
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:310821.
    PMID: 24550703 DOI: 10.1155/2014/310821
    A possible interaction between glucocorticoids and estrogen-induced increases in brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in enhancing depressive-like behaviour has been documented. Here we evaluated the effects of Tualang honey, a phytoestrogen, and 17 β -estradiol (E2) on the depressive-like behaviour, stress hormones, and BDNF concentration in stressed ovariectomised (OVX) rats. The animals were divided into six groups: (i) nonstressed sham-operated control, (ii) stressed sham-operated control, (iii) nonstressed OVX, (iv) stressed OVX, (v) stressed OVX treated with E2 (20  μg daily, sc), and (vi) stressed OVX treated with Tualang honey (0.2 g/kg body weight daily, orally). Two months after surgery, the animals were subjected to social instability stress procedure followed by forced swimming test. Struggling time, immobility time, and swimming time were scored. Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone levels, and the BDNF concentration were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Stressed OVX rats displayed increased depressive-like behaviour with significantly increased serum ACTH and corticosterone levels, while the BDNF concentration was significantly decreased compared to other experimental groups. These changes were notably reversed by both E2 and Tualang honey. In conclusion, both Tualang honey and E2 mediate antidepressive-like effects in stressed OVX rats, possibly acting via restoration of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and enhancement of the BDNF concentration.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  19. Fulltext Antioxidant and toxicity studies of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth
    Yam MF, Lim CP, Fung Ang L, Por LY, Wong ST, Asmawi MZ, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:351602.
    PMID: 24490155 DOI: 10.1155/2013/351602
    The present study evaluated the antioxidant activity and potential toxicity of 50% methanolic extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (Lamiaceae) leaves (MEOS) after acute and subchronic administration in rats. Superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferrous ion chelating methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the extract. In acute toxicity study, single dose of MEOS, 5000 mg/kg, was administered to rats by oral gavage, and the treated rats were monitored for 14 days. While in the subchronic toxicity study, MEOS was administered orally, at doses of 1250, 2500, and 5000 mg/kg/day for 28 days. From the results, MEOS showed good superoxide radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating, and antilipid peroxidation activities. There was no mortality detected or any signs of toxicity in acute and subchronic toxicity studies. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in bodyweight, relative organ weight, and haematological and biochemical parameters between both male and female treated rats in any doses tested. No abnormality of internal organs was observed between treatment and control groups. The oral lethal dose determined was more than 5000 mg/kg and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of MEOS for both male and female rats is considered to be 5000 mg/kg per day.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
  20. Pathogenesis of alcohol-induced osteoporosis and its treatment: a review
    Abukhadir SS, Mohamed N, Mohamed N
    Curr Drug Targets, 2013 Dec;14(13):1601-10.
    PMID: 24138635
    Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in humans; it represents a major public health problem. This chronic disease is characterized by increase in bone fracture due to: reduced bone mass, deterioration of micro architectural and decreased bone strength, bone fragility; and bone mineral density 2.5 or more standard deviations below the normal mean. Secondary osteoporosis is a common cause of osteoporosis, and there are many underlying risk factors for osteoporosis. Chronic alcohol abuse is one of the modifiable risk factors in osteoporosis. There is evidence of correlation between chronic alcohol abuse and low bone mass. Alcohol is directly toxic to the bone; with increased incidence of fractures and complications. Although there is a paucity of studies regarding alcohol induced osteoporosis therapy, it can be classified into antiresorptive therapy and anabolic therapy. Bisphosphonates have been demonstrated to be clinically relevant to prevent bone damage associated with alcohol use while parathyroid hormone increased bone mineralization as well as bone formation in alcohol treated rats. Vitamin D supplementation could prevent bone toxicity in chronic drinkers. This review discussed the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced osteoporosis and the agents available for its treatment. Other potential therapies are also discussed.
    Matched MeSH terms: Rats
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