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Background and Objective: A brief and short duration episode of ischemia is recorded in ischemic preconditioning (IPC). This latter condition provides a status in which large region of heart is protected when prolonged ischemia occurred. Levothyroxine play a protective role in IPC induction, and simultaneously with stress oxidative. This study was conducted to determine the protective effect of levothyroxine with oxidative stress reduction mechanism in ischemic preconditioning model in rat heart.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 30 male Wistar rats in three groups of 10, as follows. In the reperfusion ischaemia group (IR), the heart of the animal was placed in a Langendorff apparatus. In the ischemic preconditioning group (IPC), prior to major ischemia, was exposed to 4 periods of 5-minute ischemia with reperfusion. In the intraperitoneally administered group, levothyroxine at a dose of 25 microgram per 100 g of body weight, the heart was exposed to reperfusion ischemia. The area of infarct and the level of malondialdehyde in the heart tissue were measured.
Results: The volume of Infarcted region in IR and IPC groups was 26.55 and 11.11 respectively. The same index for the Levothyroxine receiver was 12.56. Based on these findings it was demonstrated that Levothyroxine injection reduced the Infarcted region significantly similar with IPC (P<0.05). The MDA Levels in IR and IPC were 1328 and 777, respectively and in Levothyroxine group it was determined as 762. The size of Infarcted region in both IPC and treated with Levothyroxine groups significantly reduced in compared to IR group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Injection of levothyroxine with ischemic preconditioning reduced the effect of reperfusion maladaptive ischemia in rat heart.

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Background and Objective: Brain is not able to produce new neurons by neurogenesis after maturity. Neurogenesis after the maturity was reported in Hippocampus and subventricular areas in the brain. Rosa canina L has various vitamins and other valuable compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoid, carbohydrates and fatty acids. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the alcoholic extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant on neuronal density of the hippocampus in animal model.
Methods: In this experimental study 24 adult male mice were randomly allocated into 4 groups including: control and three treatent groups. Animals in treatment groups 1, 2 and 3 were received the alcoholic extract with extract with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw intraperitoneally (IP), for 21 day continuously with an invertal of 24 hours, respectively. Animals in control group were received normal saline injection. One month after the first injection, the animals were anesthetized and brain gently was out of the skull. After processing, seven-micron serial sections were stained with blue toluidine and erythrosine. Different regions of the hippocampus were photographed and neuronal density was evaluated by stereological methods and was compared with control group.
Results: The mean neuronal density of CA1 area of hippocampus in control and the treated group with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw was 55±2, 70±3, 65±3 and 61±2, respectively. Neuronal density significantly increased in treatment group with dosage of 25 mg/kg/bw in compared to control group (P<0.05). The mean neuronal density of CA2 and CA3 area of hippocampus in treated group with a dose of 25, 50, 75 mg/kg/bw was not significant in compared to controls.
Conclusion: This study showed that the alcoholic extract of the fruit of Rosa canina L plant with dosage of 25 mg/kg/bw increase neurons of the mice hippocampus.

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Background and Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-inflammatory disease with possible joint destruction and disability. Persica plant, seems contain anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin on induced rheumatoid arthritis by Freund's complete adjuvant in rat.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) and 8 weeks old were randomly allocated in 6 groups including normal group, positive control, negative control, and groups treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of persica resin with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. The resin of persica was extracted by Maceration method. On the first day, inflammation was induced with injection of 0.2 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant into the right knee joint of rats and from the fifteenth day hydroalcoholic extract was injected intraperitoneally and daily for 15 days. On the 30^th day, blood samples were taken from hearts for rheumatoid factor measurement. Histological slides were prepared from knee joint.
Results: The level of RF in the three treatment groups was significantly reduced compared to the negative control group (p<0.05). Destruction of cartilage were observed in treated group with dose of 25 mg/kg/bw in comparision with positive control group, treated group with 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. Also in the negative control group, synovial hyperplasia, pannus and the destruction of cartilage were observed.
Conclusion: It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin can causes dose dependent reduction of inflammation and destruction of cartilage result from induced rheumatoid arthritis in the rats.

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Background and Objective: The diazinon insecticide is a strong acetylcholinesterase controller at the nerve terminals. This study was conducted to determine the effect of diazinon on functional tests and tissue alterations in rat liver.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats were allocated into 5 groups including the first, second and third experimental groups were received 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw of diazinon, respectively, orally during 21 days. The control group did not receive any medication and the sham group received solvent. At the end of study, blood samples were obtained from animals and Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) hepatic enzymes, total protein, albumin and bilirubin were measured. After anesthesia the liver of animals were removed and evaluated by hematoxylin eosin histological staining methods.
Results: The level of AST and ALT enzymes in the experimental groups receiving 100 and 150 mg/kg/bw doses of diazinon significantly increased in compared to the control group (p<0.05). The level of ALP of animals in all groups receiving diazinon was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Total protein level significantly reduced in all groups receiving diazinon compared to the control group (P<0.05). The level of albumin in the experimental group receiving 150 mg/kg/bw dose of diazinon significantly reduced in comparision with controls. In the experimental groups, tissue samples showed more necrosis with increasing doses of diazinon.
Conclusion: Diazinon increases level of liver enzymes and decreased total protein and albumin level and causes the histological alterations in rat liver.

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Background and Objective: Learning is the acquisition of information that makes this possible, and memory is meant to store this information. Millet contains proteins, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants needed to preserve the life and health of mammalian cells. This study was conducted to determine the effect of alcoholic extracts of seed of millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) on spatial memory in mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 24 male rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. Hydrochloric extract of Prossu millet was prepared by Soxhlet method and injected into three treatment groups with doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw by intraperitoneal injection for 21 days. Animals in control group were received normal saline. After one month from the first injection, learning behaviors and memory tests were performed. Mauritius water maze was used to evaluate the spatial memory. Also, shuttle box method was used to determine passive avoidance of spatial memory.
Results: The results showed that the mean time for finding the platform between the control group and alcoholic treatments in doses of (75 mg/kg/bw) was significantly different (P<0.05). Also, the mean time of training and test time in control and treatment groups receiving alcoholic extract showed a significant difference, indicating that this extract had a significant effect.
Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of millet seed with dosage of 75 mg/kg/bw improves the learning and spatial memory of male mice.

 

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Background and Objective: Atorvastatin is a member of the statin family with lipophilic character and anti-hyperlipidemic effect. There is many evidence that atorvastatin has protective effect on cognitive function. This study was done to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on spatial memory in rats following a high-fat diet.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar male rats. Animals were randomly allocated into 5 groups including control, control plus atorvastatin and sham (received high-fat diet for 4 weeks) and high-fat diet plus atorvastatin (10 and 50 mg/kg, for 4 weeks). Learning and spatial memory were measured using Morris water maze for a 6-day period including 5 days training and the last day, test day (probe day).
Results: High-fat diet reduced learning and poor memory performance during training and probe compared to the control group, and also on the probe day, the high-fat group spent less time in the target quarter (P<0.05). Administration of atorvastatin after a high-fat diet improvement spatial memory in compared to high-fat group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Short-term treatment (4 weeks) with atorvastatin in high-fat dietary rats can improve spatial memory.

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Background and Objective: Hyperlipidemia and high level of serum total cholesterol are risk factors contributing to prevalence and severity of cardiovascular complications like coronary heart diseases. Lamiaceae plants have terpenoids and flavonoids can reduce triglyceride and cholesterol, therefore. This study was done to evaluate the effect of feeding with essential oil of Thymus deanensis Celak. on lipid profile, blood urea and liver enzymes in hyperchlostrolemic male Wistar rats.

Methods: This experimental study was performed on 36 male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into 6 groups (there were 6 rats in each groups). The groups including control, sham, two groups receiving 200 and 500 ppm Thymus deanensis essential oil and hyperchlostrolemia groups treated with doses of 200 and 500 ppm of Thymus deanensis essential oil. Hyperchlostrolemia was induced by giving high cholesterol (2%) and sweet almond oil (97.5%) diet. The animals were treated for 32 days with essential oil of the thyme. At the end of the 32-day trial, blood sampling was performed. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) liver enzymes were measured.

Results: The level of ALT and AST in hypercholesterolemia rats were significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P˂0.05). Thymus daenensis essential oil significantly reduced level of triglycerides and cholesterol (P˂0.05). The high dose of Thymus daenensis (500 ppm) essential oil more than a low dose (200 ppm) significantly reduced the level of cholesterol and triglyceride (P˂0.05). Blood urea nitrogen significantly increased in hypercholesterolemia group in compare to control group (P˂0.05). After the administration of essential oil with a minimum and maximum dose in hypercholesterolemia rats, the level of urea in the blood significantly decreased (P˂0.05). The level of ALT and AST in hypercholesterolemia rats significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P˂0.05). AST level significantly reduced in the groups of rats which received minimal and maximal doses compared to the group hypercholesterolemia (P˂0.05).

Conclusion: By lowering blood lipids, urea and liver enzymes after the use of essential oils, it seems that the Thymus daenensis dose-dependent is effective in improving liver function, kidney and high level of  lipid.

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Background and Objective: Diabetic mellitus nephropathy is one of the most important implication factors in kidney´s physiological function in diabetes mellitus. Having major role in filtration, in hyperglycemic condition kidney has shown more damages in comparison with other tissues. This study was done to determine the effect of combined Atorvastatin and Zinc oxide on the biochemical and histopathological alterations in kidney of diabetic rats.

Methods: In this experimental study, 40 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups including normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats treated with atorvastatin (20mg/kg/bw daily, orally) (D+A), Zinc oxide (30mg/kg/bw daily, orally) (D+Z) and combination of each drug in half dose (daily, orally) (D+A+Z). Diabetes induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg/bw streptozotocin-diabetic.Animals treated for one month. At the end of the study, kidney weight and body weight and biochemical factors including creatinine and urea were measured to assess renal function. For determing the histopathology of kidney tissue, sections with 4-5 micrometer were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

Results: The level of serum creatinine and urea was significantly increased in diabetic rats in compare to controls (P<0.05). Treatment of diabetic rats with half doses of combination of atorvastatin and Zinc oxide reduced the level of creatinine, urea and renal tissue damage in comparision with diabetic rats without treatment (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that the combination of atorvastatin and Zinc oxide has effect on controlling diabetic nephropathy.

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Background and Objective: Fenvalerate is a component of the pyrethroid pesticide induces oxidative stress. This study was done to determine the effect of garlic extract (GE) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against fenvalerate-induced oxidative stress in the serum and testis tissue of rat.

Methods: In this experimental study, 42 Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 7 groups including: control group, sham group (normal saline), the first experimental group receiving NAC (80 mg/kg/bw), the second experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw), the third experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + garlic extract (40 mg/kg/bw), the fourth experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + NAC (80 mg/kg/bw) and the fifth experimental group receiving fenvalerate (10 mg/kg/bw) + garlic extract (40 mg/kg/bw) + NAC (80 mg/kg/bw). Injection of fenvalerate was performed intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days in animals of intervention groups. Afterwards, for 10 consecutive days, NAC and garlic extract were injected. In this study, 1/40 LD50 fenvalerate was used. The activity of the catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in serum and testis tissue in all animals.

Results: MDA level of serum and testis tissue in fenvalerate group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). The injection of NAC and garlic extract alone (P<0.05) as well as garlic extract in combination with NAC reduced MDA level of serum and testis tissue compared to fenvalerate group (P<0.05). Serum TAC level was significantly reduced in fenvalerate group compared to control (P<0.05). Serum TAC level was significantly increased in fenvalerate + GE group, fenvalerate + NAC group and fenvalerate + GE + NAC group compated to the fenvalerate group (P<0.05). GST activity of serum was significantly increased in fenvalerate group compared to control (P<0.05). GST activity of serum was significantly reduced in NAC, garlic extract and combination of NAC and garlic extact groups compared to fenvalerate group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: In this animal model study, low dose (10 mg/kg/bw) fenvalerate induces oxidative stress. Garlic extract and N-acetylcysteine (alone and in combination) improve injures caused by fenvalerate.

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Background and Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic hepatic diseases which may be associated with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to consider the effect of combined therapy with resveratrol supplementation and interval exercise training on heart cells apoptosis in rats with NAFLD using TUNEL assay.
Methods: This experimental study was done on 35 Wistar rats. Animals were randomly allocated into five groups including control (healthy) and four NAFLD groups, including patient, resveratrol, interval exercise, and resveratrol + interval exercise. A TUNEL assay kit was applied for the detection of apoptosis in heart tissue.
Results: The patient group had significantly higher percentage of heart apoptotic cells (24.38±0.69%) compared to the other groups (P<0.05), while the resveratrol + interval exercise (9.02±0.49%) and resveratrol (9.47±0.83%) groups showed significantly lower mean levels of heart apoptotic cells compared to the patient and interval exercise (P<0.05) groups. There was no significant difference in mean of apoptotic cells between resveratrol and resveratrol + interval exercise groups. The mean of apoptotic cells in interval exercise group was 11.39±0.28%.
Conclusion: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is considerably associated with heart cells apoptosis. Resveratrol supplementation especially combined with interval exercise significantly reduces apoptotic cells in heart tissue.

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Background and Objective: Due to the properties of herbal remedies and their lesser side effects than chemical drugs, much attention has now beeing paid to herbal treatments. The aim of this study was done to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroalcoholic extract of aerial parts of Ruscus aculeatus.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 80 male NMRI mice (6-8 weeks) weighing 23-25 gr. Animals were randomly allocated into 5 groups including: control group (distilled water), positive control group (morphine 10 mg/kg/bw in pain test and dexamethasone 15 mg/kg/bw in inflammatory test) and three groups receiving 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg/bw Hydroalcoholic extract of Ruscus aculeatus L. The pain was evaluated by formalin test and an investigation of inflammation conducted by xylene induced ear-edema.
Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of Ruscus aculeatus L significantly reduced acute pain at 300 mg/kg/bw in compared to control group (P<0.05). Inhibition percent was 60% for acute pain and 85% in morphine group. Also, this plant caused significant reduction of formalin induced chronic pain at 150 and 300 mg/kg/bw doses in compared to the control group (P<0.05). At 150 and 300 mg/kg doses of Ruscus aculeatus L, inhibition of chronic pain was 71%, and 94%, respectively in compared with 97% inhibition in morphine group.
Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Ruscus aculeatus L at the dose of 300 mg/kg/bw reduces acute and chronic pain and at the dose of 150 mg/kg/bw reduces acute pain in laboratory animals.

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Background and Objective: Researches has shown that exercise and nutrition exercises can have a different effect on serum Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF( levels and resting blood pressure in young people. This study was done to determine the effect of a period of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with omega-3 supplementation on the serum levels of BDNF and resting blood pressure in inactive male students.
Methods: In this clinical trail study, 32 non-athlete male students were randomly divided into control, supplements, training and training + supplement. Subjects in supplementary group were received daily (2000 mg) of omega-3 capsules. The training groups were also subjected to HIIT training for 6 weeks. The training + Supplemental group also included a combination of the same training program were associated with omega-3 supplementation. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA method 24 and 48 hours perior the exercise protocol and after the last training session. Blood pressure disturbances were also evaluated at the same time and before blood sampling according to the recommendations of the British Heart Association.
Results: The serum levels of BDNF in the group after 6 weeks in the training + supplementation group and the training group increased significantly compared to the pre-test values (P˂0.05). Also, a significant difference between-group training + supplementation group and training, supplementation and control groups were observed (P˂0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced in training + supplementary, training and supplementation groups compared to pretest values (P˂0.05). A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure in the training + supplementation group was observed compared to supplemental and control groups (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: HIIT combined with supplementation with omega-3 supplementation improved the BDNF serum level and reducing resting blood pressure in inactive male students.

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Background and Objective: Alzheimer is the most common form of dementia in elderly persons. Oxidative stress is one of the main pathological factors in Alzheimer’s disease. This study was done to investigate the effect of crosin on histological changes of hippocampus and memory impairment which induced by scopolamine in the male rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 male rats were randomly allocated into 3 groups including: control, scopolamine and scopolamine with crosin treated groups. Scopolamine with dose of 3 mg/kg/bw for one week and crocin with dose of 30mg/kg for two weeks were administered, intraperitoneally. The learning and spatial memory parameters were evaluated by Morris water maze test. Then the animals were sacrificed and their hippocampi were removed immediately for histological evaluation.
Results: Scopolamine injection causes significantly increased the number of dark cells in CA1 region of hippocampus in compared to control group (P<0.05). Treatment with crocin decreased dark cells and increased light cells number in CA1 region of hippocampus (P<0.05). Also treatment with crocin decreased memory impairment that induced by scopolamine in rats (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that treatment with crocin has protective effects against neuronal damage of CA1 region of hippocampus and memory impairment that induced by scopolamine.

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Background and Objective: Sperm dysfunction and damage in spermatogenesis are the most common causes of male infertility. Diazepam is also a painkiller for benzodiazepines that can be addictive for a long time. This study was done to determine the effect of Diazepam on testicular tissue parameters and spermatogenesis in Rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 30 Wistar male rats with a 250-200 gram weight were randomly allocated into 5 groups. Experimental groups were received diazepam with doses of (2, 3, 4, 5 mg/kg/bw) for 14 days, intraperitonally. Serum physiology was injected in control group. The animals were anesthetized and the testes and epididymis ductus defran were removed for examination, sperm motility, and percentage of live sperm.
Results: Weight, large and small testicular diameter, percentage of live sperm and number of sperm moving forward were reduced with injection groups, at a dose of 3 mg / kg in all factors except the number of sperm moving forward in compared to the control group. In other groups, only testicular weight was significantly reduced at a dose of 2 mg/kg (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Diazepam can affect spermatogenesis process in rats.

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Background and Objective: Copper oxide nanoparticles, in addition to useful applications, may have adverse effects on the organisms.This study was done to determine the effect of copper oxide nanoparticles on liver toxicity, enzymes changes and liver histological structure of rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 Wistar male rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups. During 10 days, five times (one day interval), 3 groups of rats were received 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of copper oxide nanoparticles with a diameter of less than 50 nm and purity of 99% and a surface of 80 m²/g intraperitoneally, respectively. One group was considered as the control group. Activity of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes were tested in two stages (one day and 15 days after treatment). Also, liver tissue sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin.
Results: No significant alterations of AST enzyme activity were not seen between different groups in two stages. The activity of ALT, ALP, and LDH enzymes in the first stage showed a significant increase in all treatment groups compared to control and returned to normal after 15 days. Rat's weight changes were not statistically significant between different groups. Histological studies revealed multiple tissue injuries in dose-dependent in treatment groups which included mild and severe hyperemia, hepatocytes degeneration, hyperplasia and inflammation.
Conclusion: Injection of low doses of copper oxide nanoparticles, after 15 days, although changes in enzyme activity return to normal, but significant disturbances observes in the structure of the liver tissue.

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Background and Objective: Cancer can spread to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Angiogenesis is a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from a dormant state to a malignant. Some changes in cancerous cells can be improved and treated using herbal extracts. Salvia species in Iranian traditional medicine were used against various infections, inflammatory diseases.This study was done to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Salvia atropatana leaf on subcutaneous tumor model of CT26 colon carcinoma in Mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, for the induction of colon carcinoma, 26CT cells were injected into 18 BALB/c male Mice. Subcutaneous injection was done in the right side of the animal. When the size of the tumor was 50±350 mm3, 18 Mice were randomly allocated into 3 groups, including controls, aqueous extracts a breakdown of each dose 50 and 100 mg/kg/bw. The group containing the aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf was injected for 14 days, daily. To monitor the therapeutic effects, the parameters of the stopping rate in the growth of the tumor, the relative volume changes and the doubling of tumor volume were evaluated. After sacrificed the animals at the end the fourteenth day of the study, tumors were dissected for histological study.
Results: The volume of tumors and the mean density of the number of vessels was significantly reduced in treated group 1 (50 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) and treated group 2 (100 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) in compared to control group (P<0.05). Reduction in density of cells and vascular sections was significantly reduced in treated group 1 (50 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) and treated group 2 (100 mg/kg/bw of aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf) in compared to control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Salvia atropatana leaf has anti-angiogenesis activity and significant inhibitory effects on tumor growth in animal model.

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Background and Objective: Aspartame is a kind of artifical and non-sugar sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. This study was done to determine effect of Aspartam on histomorphometric alterations, kidney function and expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3, P53 Genes in Mice.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into four groups including control group and three experimental groups. The mice in the control group received 0.3 ml of distilled water by oral gavage for 90 days and the experimental groups received 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg aspartame, respectively orally and daily. One day after treatment, blood and kidney tissue samples were taken to evaluate biochemical, histomorphometric alterations and gene expression.
Results: Renal capsule diameter, glomerulus diameter and height of the epithelial layer of distal and proximal tubules were significantly reduced in treated groups compared to control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). However, the size of the urinary space and the diameter of the lumen of distal and proximal tubules were significantly increased in treated groups in compared to control group (P<0.05). The level of blood nitrogen urea (BUN) and creatinine significantly increased treated groups in compared to the control group with increasing dosage of aspartame (P<0.05). Also, with increasing dosage of aspartame, Bcl2 gene expression significantly reduced in treated groups in compared to the control group (P<0.05) however expression of Bax, Caspase 3 and p53 genes were significantly increased in treated groups compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Aspartame can cause changes in biochemical, histomorphometric indices, expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase 3 and P53 genes in mice kidney.

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Background and Objective: The liver is the main organ involved in the metabolism of various drugs and toxins. Thus, it is highly vulnerable to damage caused by drugs and toxins. Alpinia officinarum belongs to the Ginger family and has been used in traditional Iranian medicine for its therapeutic effects on the digestive system, including strengthening the function of the stomach and organs, improving digestion and reducing bloating. In addition, the plant has anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer and antioxidant properties. This study investigated the hepatotoxic effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizomes aqueous extract in male Wistar rats.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 35 male Wistar rats that were randomly allocated into 5 groups of 7. Four groups received 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract for 28 days, while a group did not receive the extract (control group). Tissue sections (5 microns) were stained by hematoxylin and eosin at the pharmacology laboratory of Golestan University of Medical Sciences. The groups were examined for liver tissue pathology, and the level of liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by Pars Azmoun ELISA kit.
Results: Administration of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome for 28 days by gavage increased the level of AST, ALT and ALP in the serum of rats. Tissue damage was observed in most groups receiving the extract.
Conclusion: The results show that consumption of the aqueous extract of Alpinia officinarum rhizome at a dose of more than 100 mg/kg can cause liver damage and is lethal at a dose of 800 mg/kg.
 

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Background and Objective: Leptin is associated with metabolic disorders and promotes the development of liver steatosis to steatohepatitis. It selectively increases the secretion of Tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-a) in response to saturated fatty acid. The general purpose of this research was to determine the effects of eight weeks of continuous training and silymarin supplementation on the serum levels of TNF-α and leptin in Wistar rats with fatty liver disease.
Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats aged three weeks and weighting 159±3 grams were randomly divided into five groups: normal diet/saline, high-fat diet/saline (control), high-fat diet/supplemented, high-fat diet/exercise/saline, and high-fat diet/exercise/supplement. The rats were fed 10 grams per 100 grams of body weight (standard diet 13% fat and high-fat diet 41% fat) for eight weeks, and silymarin (140 mg per kilogram body weight) were given by gavage for 2 weeks. The continuous aerobic exercise protocol consisted 30 minutes of treadmill running at 70-75% of VO₂max for eight weeks, five days a week. After sacrificing the animals, samples were taken and sent to the laboratory for histological analysis. The expression of leptin and TNF-α in the liver was measured using commercial ELISA kits.
Results: The findings showed a greater decrease in hepatic leptin concentration in the high-fat diet + continuous exercise + supplement group (P<0.05) compared to the high-fat diet + continuous exercise + saline group (P<0.05). Tukey's post hoc test showed a greater decrease in the concentration of hepatic TNF-α in the high-fat diet + saline group (compared to the high-fat diet + supplement group) (P<0.05), and the high-fat + exercise + saline group (P<0.05). The weight of the rats in the normal diet + saline group differed significantly from other groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results indicated that the combination of continuous training with silymarin supplementation can help reduce leptin and TNF-α in rats with a high-fat diet, an effect not observed by silymarin supplementation alone. Therefore, the combination of continuous aerobic exercises and silymarin supplementation can further oxidize fat and reduce inflammation in the body.
 

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Background and Objective: Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) has numerous nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This experimental study aimed to investigate the effect of spirulina on changes in the levels of liver enzymes of male BALB/c mice exposed to a high dose of acetaminophen.
Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups of six. The toxic dose of acetaminophen 600 mg/kg body weight was considered. The control group received only a standard diet and water. The sham group was gavaged with saline solution. The third to seventh groups were treated as: acetaminophen; spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw, spirulina 600 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, and spirulina 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, respectively. In all groups, mice were treated with acetaminophen and spirulina powder by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after receiving the last dose of medication and deprivation of food (the animals still had access to water), the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken from the heart. Activity of liver enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was measured by spectrophotometry. Protein concentration was determined by the Lowry method. Catalase activity was assessed using hydrogen peroxide. The amount of malondialdehyde was measured and the total antioxidant capacity was determined by FRAP method by reducing ferric to ferro ions.
Results: The levels of serum transaminases (ALT, AST, ALP) as well as the level of total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde of the acetaminophen-treated group increased significantly compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of these enzymes in the group treated with S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen decreased significantly compared to the group treated with acetaminophen (P<0.05). Catalase activity in the acetaminophen group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05).In the group of S. platensis 300 mg/kg/bw + acetaminophen, catalase activity increased significantly compared to the acetaminophen group (P<0.05). The results of experiments in two groups of spirulina and acetaminophen showed that the active ingredients of the algae at a dose of 300 worked better than 600 mg per kg of body weight in response to oxidative stress.
Conclusion: Consuming 300 mg/kg of S. platensis along with a near toxic dose of acetaminophen increases resistance to oxidative stress and injuries caused by drug poisoning by affecting the activity of enzymes and the antioxidant defense system.