Mudasir Sultana

Total antioxidant and oxidant status of plasma and renal tissue of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxic rats: protection by floral extracts of Calendula officinalis Linn.

Absract The present study was aimed to determine the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of plasma and renal tissue in cisplatin (cDDP) induced nephrotoxic rats and its protection by treatments with floral extracts of Calendula officinalis Linn. Treatment with cDDP elevated (p < 0.05) the levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine (CR), TOS, OSI and malondialdehyde (MDA) but lowered (p < 0.05) total plasma proteins, TAS, total thiols (TTH), blood glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes compared to the control group. Pre- and post-treatments of ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis along with cDDP restored (p > 0.05) CR, albumin, TOS, GSH and activities of antioxidant enzymes in blood and renal tissue. Ethanolic extract treatments reduced (p < 0.05) MDA level in renal tissue without restoring the erythrocyte MDA level following cDDP treatment. These observations were further supported by the histopathological findings in renal tissue. Observations of the present study have shown that treatments with ethanolic floral extract of C. officinalis protect cDDP induced nephrotoxicity by restoring antioxidant system of the renal tissue.

Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and wound healing potential of quercetin in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Background: Among the dietary polyphenolic, quercetin is the most common compound available in vegetables and fruits. The phytochemicals are used to treat diabetic wounds and diabetes, and specifically dietary polyphenols are being extensively studied for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and wound healing potential of quercetin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Induction of diabetes was done by intraperitoneally administration of STZ at the dose of 55 mg/kg in Wistar rats. An excision wound was created in diabetic rats that were treated with quercetin (100 mg/kg) orally and quercetin ointment topically to evaluate the antidiabetic and wound healing potential of quercetin. Results: Repeated oral administration of quercetin along with topical application of quercetin ointment in diabetic rats normalized the altered blood glucose, hydroxyproline, and glucosamine levels. Topical application of quercetin ointment alone on the excised wound was sufficient enough to heal the wound area in diabetic rats. Conclusions: The result of the present study indicates that quercetin produces hypoglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic rats and normalized plasma lipids and protein profiles. Besides, this quercetin also has an excellent wound healing property when applied topically on the wound area in diabetic rats. Abbreviation used: STZ: Streptozotocin; CMC: Carboxy methyl cellulose; HDL: High density lipoproteins; LDL: low density lipoproteins.

Free radical-induced nephrotoxicity following repeated oral exposureto chlorpyrifos alone and in conjunction with fluoride in rats.

BACKGROUND/AIM Chronic renal disorder is becoming a major health problem worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to investigate alterations in the renal antioxidant system in rats induced by repeated exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF) alone and in conjunction with fluoride. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats were randomly allocated to seven groups, each consisting of six rats, and were subjected to different treatment regiments for 28 days. RESULTS Significant increases (P < 0.05) in plasma protein, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels indicated alterations in renal functions on repeated exposure to CPF or fluoride; moreover, these changes were more pronounced in animals exposed to both toxicants concurrently. A significant increase (P < 0.05) in malondialdehyde levels and decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in renal tissue were noted, indicating renal damage on exposure to CPF, fluoride, or the combination of those. CONCLUSION Our observations suggested that the concurrent exposure to CPF and fluoride increased the extent of renal damage. These findings indicate that this damage is due to increased free radical formation and a reduced function of the antioxidant system in renal tissue. Thus, the application of CPF as an insecticide should be reduced in areas where the fluoride levels in ground waters are high in order to minimize renal damage in exposed populations.

Ameliorative Effect of Vitamin C on the Altered Tissue Ascorbate Levels in Wistar Rats Exposed to Chlorpyrifos and Lead Acetate for 98 Days

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of chlorpyrifos, lead acetate, vitamin C alone and in combination on tissue ascorbate levels in Wistar rats. Rats of 150–200 g body weight were divided into eight groups of six animals each and were subjected to various daily oral treatment regimens for 98 days. Group C served as control receiving only corn oil, group CP received chlorpyrifos at 5.5 mg/kg in corn oil, group L received lead acetate at 100 ppm in water, whereas animals in group CP + L received a combination of chlorpyrifos at 5.5 mg/kg in corn oil and lead acetate at 100 ppm in water. Group VC received vitamin C at 100 mg/kg in water, group CP + VC received a combination of chlorpyrifos at 5.5 mg/kg and vitamin C at 100 mg/kg, group L + VC received lead acetate at 100 ppm in water and vitamin C at 100 mg/kg and group CP + L + VC received chlorpyrifos at 5.5 mg/kg, lead acetate at 100 ppm in water and vitamin C at 100 mg/kg. After 98-day exposure of chlorpyrifos and lead acetate, the concentration of ascorbate in liver, kidney and lung homogenates was decreased significantly as compared to the control group, besides a significant decrease was also observed in the homogenates of brain and heart tissues of chlorpyrifos and lead treatment groups, respectively. In groups receiving both chlorpyrifos and lead acetate, the concentration of ascorbate was significantly decreased in kidney, lung and liver homogenates. The study demonstrated that treatment of chlorpyriphos and lead treated rats with vitamin C significantly altered some of the important haematological parameters revealing the protective effect of this vitamin against haematological alterations induced by chlorpyriphos and lead.