S.A El-Mougy

Nephroprotective Action of Phoenix dactylifera in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract We investigated the effect of an extract of the flesh and pits of dates [Phoenix dactylifera. L (Arecaceae or Palmae)] on gentamicin (GM) nephrotoxicity in rats. The animals were given either the date flesh extract mixed with the food (50% w/w) or the pits extract mixed in the drinking water (2:1 w/v), and GM (80 mg kg−1 day−1 intramuscularly for 6 days) was injected during the last 6 days of treatment. Other groups of rats were given GM concomitantly with the date flesh extract or the date pits extract at the above doses. GM treatment significantly increased the plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea and induced a marked necrosis of the renal proximal tubules. The date flesh and pits were effective in significantly reducing the increases in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations induced by GM nephrotoxicity and ameliorating the proximal tubular damage. Antioxidant components in the date (e.g., melatonin, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid) were suggested to be the basis of the nephroprotection.

Hepatoprotective Influence of Adansonia digitata Pulp

ABSTRACT The aqueous extract of the Adansonia digitata (Linn.) pulp was tested for hepatoprotective activity against chemical toxicity with CCL4 in rats. The aqueous extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity and consumption of Adansonia digitata fruit may play an important part in human resistance to liver damage in areas in which the plant is consumed (2). The mechanism of liver protection is unknown, but could possibly result from triterpenoids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin palmitate, or/and α-amyrin, and ursolic acid in the fruit.

Use of a new computerized system for evaluation of spermatozoal motility and velocity characteristics in relation to fertility levels in dromedary bulls

Three ejaculates from each of 14 dromedary bulls were collected at 7-day intervals and diluted to 50 x 10 (6) spermatozoa per ml with sodium citrate (2.9%) seminal extender. Spermatozoal concentrations, motility percentages and velocity measures were evaluated by a new computerized cell motion analyzer (CMA, medical Technologies Montreux SA, Switzerland) for assessing fertility rates in such animals. Greatest variability in concentrations and motility percentages was generally attributed to animal effect within the first ejaculate. Spermatozoal concentrations and kinematic variables in particular percentages of progressive motility, amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and linearity (LIN) percentage were strongly correlated (P<0.01) with fertility rates of dromedary bulls. The CMA-derived measurements of velocity straight line (VSL), velocity curve line (VCL), and velocity averaged line (VAP) were significantly affected by the type of spermatozoal tracks. The present results evidenced that the CMA is a reliable system for determining spermatozoal concentrations, motility percentages and velocity measures and is considered as an accurate and rapid method for evaluating and predicting fertility in the one-humped camel bulls.

The relationship between semen quality and mineral composition of semen in various ram breeds.

Semen was collected during the breeding season from rams by electroejaculation from two native (13 Najdi and 8 Naemi) and three imported (6 Merino, 7 Somalian and 9 Sudanese) sheep breeds. There was a marked reduction in sperm concentration and the percentage live spermatozoa (p<0.01) produced by the Somalian (Barbari) and Sudanese (Sawakni) breeds. On the other hand, these two breeds showed the highest percentage of spermatozoal individual motility (p<0.05) and the highest concentrations of sodium (Na) chloride (Cl) and inorganic phosphorus (P) in the whole semen, seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Superior sperm density, percentage live spermatozoa and seminal concentrations of potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) were evidenced in the Najdi, Naemi and to a lesser extent, in the Merino rams. The biological effects of these inorganic constituents, together with magnesium (Mg), in the semen on semen quality should be considered in the interpretation of the results obtained in the fertility evaluation of the various ram breeds.

Age-related changes in plasma testosterone concentrations and genital organs content of bulk and trace elements in the male dromedary camel.

There is a paucity of information regarding the influence of plasma testosterone concentrations and inorganic cations secreted in the different seminal fractions on the spermatozoon activity throughout the reproductive life of the one-humped camels. To demonstrate these relationships, the genital organs of 12 prepubertal (<3 years), 9 peripubertal (3-<5 years), 16 mature (5-<15 years) and 15 aged (>/=15 years) camels were collected from the Buraidah slaughter house (Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia) during two consecutive breeding seasons (November-April) over 2 years. Plasma testosterone concentrations (mean+/-S.E.) did not exceed 1.4 ng/ml in prepubertal animals with a 3-4 fold increase in peripubertal (3.2+/-0.4 ng/ml) and mature (4.8+/-0.6 ng/ml) camels followed by about 50% decrease (2.6+/-0.3 ng/ml) in aged ones. These hormonal changes were correlated significantly with concentrations of certain elements in the testes (highest Na, Ca and Cu contents), epididymides (highest P and Fe contents), prostate (highest Zn content), and bulbo-urethral glands (highest K and Mg contents). The significance of some interrelationships among the different cations and their biological effects on sperm production and metabolic activity were discussed.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Licorice in Rat Liver Injury Models

ABSTRACT The hepatoprolective activity of a water extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. was studied against CCI4 induced, acute hepatotoxicity in rats. Liver damage was assessed by estimating serum enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio. Pre- and post-treatment with licorice extract showed a dose-dependent reduction of CCI4-induced elevated serum levels of enzyme activity with parallel increase in total protein and albumin levels, indicating the licorice could preserve the normal functional status of the liver.