Jameel G. Jargar

α-Tocopherol ameliorates nickel induced testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in albino rats.

Abstract Background: Heavy metals generate free radicals and induce oxidative and nitrosative stress with depletion of antioxidants. In this study, we have evaluated the beneficial effects of α-tocopherol against nickel sulfate exposed testicular dysfunction. Methods:We studied the effect of supplementation of α-tocopherol (10 mg/100 g body weight, i.m.) on nickel sulfate (2.0 mg/100 g body weight, i.p.) induced testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in Wister strain male albino rats. Serum and testicular nitric oxide, L-ascorbic acid and serum α-tocopherol concentrations were evaluated. We also evaluated sperm count, motility and histopathology of testes. Results:Nickel treated rats showed significantly decreased body weight, testicular somatic index, sperm count, sperm motility, serum and testicular L-ascorbic acid concentration and serum α-tocopherol level as compared to their controls. However, simultaneous treatment with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol produced a remarkable improvement of all the above parameters when compared with treatment with nickel alone. Nickel treated rats also had significantly increased serum and testicular nitric oxide concentrations as compared to their controls. However, simultaneous treatment with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol significantly decreased nitric oxide concentrations in both serum and testes, respectively, as compared to nickel treatment alone. Histopathology of the testes revealed tortuous seminiferous tubules, loss of spermatogenesis process (>75%), congestion and necrosis in nickel sulfate treated rats, whereas rats simultaneously treated with nickel sulfate and α-tocopherol had almost normal seminiferous tubules and near normal spermatogenesis as compared to nickel alone treated rats. Conclusions: Nickel sulfate treatment causes testicular oxidative and nitrosative stress in albino rats, but simultaneous supplementation of α-tocopherol was found to be beneficial in combating against such stresses.

Hypoglycemic activity of curcumin synthetic analogues in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Abstract The currently available therapies for type 2 diabetes have been unable to achieve normoglycemic status in the majority of patients. The reason may be attributed to the limitations of the drug itself or its side effects. In an effort to develop potent and safe oral antidiabetic agents, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo hypoglycemic effects of 10 synthetic polyphenolic curcumin analogues on alloxan-induced male diabetic albino rats. In vitro studies showed 7-bis(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (4) to be the most potential hypoglycemic agent followed by 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one (10). Structure activity relationship (SAR) of the tested compounds was elucidated and the results were interpreted in terms of in vitro hypoglycemic activities. Furthermore, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with compounds 4, 10 and reference hypoglycemic drug glipizide showed that compound 4 and glipizide had relatively similar effects on the reduction of blood glucose levels within 2 h. Thus, compound 4 might be regarded as a potential hypoglycemic agent being able to reduce glucose concentration both in vitro and in vivo.

Alteration of chemical behavior of L–ascorbic acid in combination with nickel sulfate at different pH solutions in vitro

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the alteration of chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with metal ion (nickel) at different pH solutions in vitro. METHODS Spectra of pure aqueous solution of L-ascorbic acid (E mark) compound and NiSO4 (H2O) (sigma USA) were evaluated by UV visible spectrophotometer. Spectral analysis of L-ascorbic acid and nickel at various pH (2.0, 7.0, 7.4 and 8.6) at room temperature of 29 °C was recorded. In this special analysis, combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate at different pH was also recorded. RESULTS The result revealed that λmax (peak wavelength of spectra) of L-ascorbic acid at pH 2.0 was 289.0 nm whereas at neutral pH 7.0, λmax was 295.4 nm. In alkaline pH 8.6, λmax was 295.4 nm and at pH 7.4 the λmax of L-ascorbic acid remained the same as 295.4 nm. Nickel solution at acidic pH 2.0 was 394.5 nm, whereas at neutral pH 7.0 and pH 7.4 were the same as 394.5 nm. But at alkaline pH 8.6, λmax value of nickel sulfate became 392.0 nm. The combined solution of L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate (6 mg/mL each) at pH 2.0 showed 292.5 nm and 392.5 nm, respectively whereas at pH 7.0, L-ascorbic acid showed 296.5 nm and nickel sulfate showed 391.5 nm. At pH 7.4, L-ascorbic acid showed 297.0 nm and nickel sulfate showed 394.0 nm in the combined solution whereas at pH 8.6 (alkaline) L-ascorbic acid and nickel sulfate were showing 297.0 and 393.5 nm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Results clearly indicate an altered chemical behavior of L-ascorbic acid either alone or in combination with nickel sulfate in vitro at different pH. Perhaps oxidation of L-ascorbic acid to L-dehydro ascorbic acid via the free radical (HSc*) generation from the reaction of H2ASc + Ni (II) is the cause of such alteration of λmax value of L-ascorbic acid in the presence of metal nickel.

α-tocopherol supplementation prevents lead acetate and hypoxia-induced hepatic dysfunction

Objective: Lead (Pb) is a long-known poison of environment and industrial origin. Its prolonged exposure affects cellular material and alters cellular genetics and produces oxidative damages. In this study, we investigated the exposure of chronic sustained hypoxia or lead acetate alone or in combination with or without supplementation of α-tocopherol on hepatic oxidative and nitrosative stress in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats weighing 165 ± 5 g were exposed to chronic sustained hypoxia (10% oxygen) or lead acetate (25 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally) alone or in combination with or without supplementation of α-tocopherol (10 mg/100 g b.wt, intramuscularly). The body weight of all the rats was recorded on the day 1 of the treatment and the day of sacrifice. Serum lipid profile was estimated by using a biochemical analyzer. Oxidant and enzymatic antioxidants status was evaluated by using spectrophotometer. Serum levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured by using ELISA technique. Histopathological assessments of hepatic tissue were also done. Results: Exposure of both lead and hypoxia showed decreased body weight, altered serum lipid profile, oxidant and enzymatic antioxidants status, serum HIF-1α and VEGF concentrations. Simultaneous α-tocopherol supplementation showed beneficial effects to all these alterations. Histopathological observations also showed hepatic degenerative changes after lead or hypoxia exposure either alone or in combination, but remarkable improvement has been noticed after α-tocopherol supplementation. Conclusion: Supplementation of α-tocopherol is beneficial to counter both lead acetate and hypoxia induced hepatic cytotoxicities possibly by reducing oxidative and nitrosative stress.

Protective effect of Vitamin E (a-tocopherol) on nickel-induced alteration of testicular pathophysiology in alloxan-treated diabetic rats

Background and Aim: Diabetes mellitus is a global problem associated with increased formation of free radicals and decrease in antioxidant potential. Nickel generates free radicals and induces oxidative and nitrosative stress with depletion of antioxidants. Vitamin E is the most effective chain-breaking antioxidant against lipid peroxidation. Therefore, the present study was intended to evaluate the possible protective effect of Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) on oxidative stress in the testis of diabetic rats exposed to nickel. Methods: Diabetes was induced by alloxan monohydrate (15 mg/100 g b.wt, i.p.) in adult male Wistar albino rats. Diabetic rats in respective groups were exposed to nickel sulfate (2.0 mg/100 g b.wt, i.p) and α-tocopherol (10 mg/100 g b.wt, i.m.) alone as well as in combination on alternate days until the tenth doses. Testicular cholesterol and protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), nitric oxide, and lipid peroxide were evaluated by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Testicular histopathology was also evaluated. Results: Exposure of diabetes and nickel showed significantly decreased body weight, testicular-somatic index, testicular cholesterol and protein, AST, ALT, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxide levels. Simultaneous α-tocopherol supplementation showed remarkable improvement in all these alterations. We observed damage in testicular architecture with, tortuous seminiferous tubules, foci of congestion, necrosis, loss of spermatogenesis > 75% and loss of germ cell layer in diabetic and nickel-exposed diabetic rats. Testis of simultaneous α-tocopherol supplemented diabetic rats showed many normal seminiferous tubules and normal spermatogenesis (≥50%). Conclusion: Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) supplementation could exert a protective effect on the testis of diabetic rats exposed to nickel by suppressing the increased oxidative stress.

A modified simple method for determination of serum α-tocopherol (vitamin E).

Abstract Background: Vitamin E is one of the important antioxidants linked to regulate various diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and male infertility. A relatively simple and economic biochemical modified method has been developed to determine serum α-tocopherol concentration. Methods: The current modified method is based on previous Baker and Frank method and the method of Martinek by using 2,2′-bipyridyl, ferric chloride, and xylene. The complex of ferrous ions generated in this reaction with 2,2′-bipyridyl is determined by using a plain enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay microplate (non-antibody coated) at 492 nm. Results: The standard curve of this new modified method shows a linearity with correlation r=0.997 (concentration vs. absorbance). The absorbance of this color complex is directly proportional to the α-tocopherol concentration. The sensitivity of this new modified method has been compared and correlated with Baker and Frank method by using 15 human samples (r=0.99, p<0.0001). Conclusions: This simple and economic method may be routinely used to analyze α-tocopherol concentration in serum.

Status of and #945;-tocopherol concentration and oxidative stress in infertile females of Vijayapur District, northern Karnataka

Background: Female fertility declined in Karnataka. Oxidative stress leads to anovulation, dysfunctional oocytes, fertilization failure, implantation failure, or miscarriage. Vitamin E (α-tocopherol) has the ability of fertilized egg to implant into uterine wall properly. Aims and Objective: The aims and objectives of the study were to establish the serum concentration of α-tocopherol and lipid peroxide (LPO) level in infertile females of northern Karnataka compared to age-matched control. Materials and Methods: Infertile females 20-35 years of age were selected prospectively, and age-matched fertile females were included in the study and divided into two groups: 45 normal fertile females (Group I) and equal number of infertile females (Group II). Body mass index (BMI), blood glucose level, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were estimated with standard methods. α-tocopherol concentration was determined by non-antibody coated microplate method by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. LPO level was assessed by malondialdehyde quantification using spectrophotometry. Results: Infertile females showed any statistical difference in BMI and random blood glucose, but Hb levels reduced significantly as compared to fertile females. The mean duration of infertility was 5.69 years. In infertile females, serum α-tocopherol was decreased significantly from 16.88 to 8.87 μg/L which is 45.78% and serum LPO level was increased from 1.25 to 2.13 μmol/L, which is 70.40% as compared to fertile females. Conclusion: Infertile females of northern Karnataka showed lower α-tocopherol levels and greater potential for oxidative stress as compared to fertile females. These findings demonstrate imbalance in ROS production and antioxidant.

A Comparative Study on Anti-diabetic Effects of Aqueous Trigonella foenum graecum, Hibiscus cannabinus Linn, and Cicer arietinum extracts on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Male Albino Rats

Objective: To compare anti-diabetic effect between the different aqueous extracts of green leafy plants locally available in North Karnataka region of India on alloxan induced diabetic male albino rats. Materials and Methods: The preparation of aqueous extracts, preliminary phytochemical analysis and toxicity screening test of 3 aqueous extracts was done by using standard protocol. To study anti-diabetic activity experimental rats were divided into five groups viz. Group I (Control), Group II (Diabetic, Alloxan monohydrate, 15mg/100g bwt, i.p. ), Group III (Diabetic with Trigonella foenum graecum ), Group IV (Diabetic with Hibiscus cannabinus Linn) and Group V (Diabetic with Cicer arietinum ). All above extracts were supplemented with same dose i.e. 12.5mg/100g bwt, orally. The blood glucose levels were evaluated in all the above experimental groups after acute (OGTT) and sub chronic (2 weeks) supplementation. Results: Our results depicts statistically significant decreased blood glucose level in Group III rats after both acute and sub chronic supplementation whereas in Group IV rats only after sub chronic supplementation when compared with Group II rats. But, Group V rats not showed any significant change in both acute as well as sub chronic exposure when compared with Group II rats. Conclusion: Trigonella foenum graecum and Hibiscus cannabinus Linn. leaves may be used as a dietary supplement in diabetic patients. Key words: Trigonella foenum graecum , Hibiscus cannabinus Linn., Cicer arietinum

Anti-diabetic effects of aqueous prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola Linn.) leaves extract in alloxan-induced male diabetic rats treated with nickel (II).

Abstract Background: Hattaraki pallye or prickly lettuce (Lactuca scariola Linn.) is one among several green leafy plants that grow in north Karnataka; it is usually consumed by the people of this region and is found to be antidiabetic in nature. The objective of this study is to evaluate hypoglycemic activities of supplementation with aqueous extract of prickly lettuce (L. scariola) leaves in vivo in acute and subchronic exposure with or without nickel (II) along with its glucose reduction capabilities with or without nickel (II) at pH 7.0 and 9.0 in vitro. Methods: Percentage glucose reduction (in vitro) was determined by glucose oxidase-peroxidase enzymatic method at pH 7.0 and pH 9.0 using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Hypoglycemic activities of L. scariola were carried out in alloxan-induced male diabetic rats at both acute and subchronic exposure. Results: The results showed a significant alteration in the λmax value of Ni (II) in combination with L. scariola leaves extracts at both pH 7.0 and 9.0. The aqueous extract also produced a significant reduction in the glucose concentration at pH 7.0 and pH 9.0 even in presence of Ni (II) in vitro. Lactuca scariola leaves in either acute or subchronic supplementation showed a greater glucose tolerance and hypoglycemic regulation of blood sugar in diabetic rats with or without nickel (II) treatments. Conclusions: Lactuca scariola leaves can be a substitute for synthetic drugs to treat diabetic patients.