We induced hypothyroidism (HT) in male rats through chronic oral administration of carbimazole and then tested whether an i.v. injection of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) could ameliorate the HT-induced changes in pancreatic structure and function. The thyroid and pancreatic function tests, as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated. The pancreatic structure was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Insulin protein and cleaved caspase-3 were detected immunohistochemically. The degree of apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. The morphometric measurements were done by an image analyzer system and the obtained data were statistically analyzed. HT rats showed hyperglycemia associated with insulin deficiency, decreased TAC and increased MDA levels. H&E-stained sections showed that the pancreatic septa were infiltrated with acidophilic material. Some acini were vacuolated while others showed depleted acidophilia and dilated lumina. Spindle-shaped cells were accumulated within deformed islets in HT rats. The positive reaction with anti-cleaved caspase-3 was exclusively noted in the cytoplasm of islet cells with no immunostaining reaction in the acinar and ductal cells, whereas the positively stained nuclei with TUNEL were demonstrated in the islet and acinar cells. A significant increase in the apoptotic index % of both markers was detected. Injection of BM-MSCs in HT rats restored all biochemical indicators of disturbed pancreatic function to normal level and improved pancreatic structure, resulting in a clear septa and normal appearance of acini and islets. In conclusion, many of the significant structural and func tional pancreatic alterations detected in HT rats were ameliorated after the injection of BM-MSCs. These data demonstrate the ability of BM-MSCs to repair pancreatic disturbances. Further studies on humans are necessary to determine the potential clinical applications of BM-MSCs.

Hypoglycemia is a neglected metabolic disorder. Thus, we evaluated the protective effect of hypoxia-preconditioned human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) on hypoglycemic testicular injury. We examined 56 testes from 28 animals: 7 rats with insulin-induced hypoglycemia (HG group), 7 hypoglycemic rats which received an intratesticular injection of hUCB-MSCs (HG-MSC group), and 14 untreated control rats. Testosterone level, testicular catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were analyzed. Immunostaining for specific testicular germ and somatic cell markers was performed. Proliferating and apoptotic cells were detected by anti-PCNA and anti-caspase-3, respectively. Morphometrical data were statistically analyzed. The hypoglycemic rats showed a significant decrease in testosterone level and CAT activity and a significant increase in MDA production. Examination of histological structure and protein expression of diverse germ cell markers revealed collapsed tubules that were lined by degenerated germ cells, decreased lactate dehydrogenase type C immune expression, as well as decreased proliferating and increased apoptotic cells number in hypoglycemic testes. Injection of MSCs improved testicular biochemical parameters, preserved germ cells and somatic cells, and decreased apoptosis. In conclusion, hypoxia-preconditioned hUCB-MSCs attenuate rat testicular injury caused by insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Avoidance and rapid management of hypoglycemia are necessary to avoid significant testicular injury.

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We have assessed the effects of the broad‐spectrum bactericide triclosan on the liver of pregnant albino rats and their offspring, and evaluated the protective potential of bee honey, which has radical‐scavenging properties. The study involved treatment of 72 pregnant rats followed by examination of the pregnant rats and their offspring. The pregnant rats were divided equally into six groups (I–VI), each of which was subdivided equally into two Subgroups (A and B). Rats in the A subgroups were gavaged with a daily dose of 1.26 ml distilled water (IA), 1 ml corn oil (IIA), 1.68 ml aqueous solution of Clover Blossom honey (IIIA), 0.3 mg triclosan (IVA), 13 mg triclosan (VA), or 1.68 ml aqueous solution of honey with 13 mg triclosan (VIA), throughout pregnancy. Rats in the B subgroups received the same treatments throughout pregnancy and for 14 days after delivery. At the end of the experiments, the offspring's numbers were recorded and blood samples were taken from the pregnant rats for analysis. The livers of the studied groups were subjected for; histological study, morphometric analysis, and biochemical estimation of markers of oxidative stress. The results showed that the acceptable daily intake of triclosan did not induce significant pathological changes in the liver while high dose of triclosan induced pathological changes in the livers and reduced the numbers of offspring. Co‐administration of honey with triclosan ameliorated most pathological change. Therefore, decrease the exposure of the pregnant women to triclosan is encouraged or co‐supplementation with bee honey if exposure could not be avoided.

Background: Fluoxetine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly used antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.Objectives: Demonstrating the effect of fluoxetine hydrochloride on the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring of treated mothers by 20 and 40 mgs throughout the first 2 weeks after delivery, and 40mg throughout the last week of pregnancy and the first 2 weeks after delivery.Materials and Methods: Sixty pregnant rats and 180 of their offspring were used in this work. They were divided equally into two main groups; A-control group (Group C) and B-treated group (Group T). The pregnant rats and their offspring of the control group were divided equally into C1, C2 and C3. Immediately after delivery, each delivered rat of C1 and C2 was given0.18 ml and 0.36 ml of distilled water respectively for two weeks. Each pregnant rat of C3 was given 0.36 ml of distilled water throughout the last week of pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery. The pregnant rats and their offspring of the treated group were divided equally into T1, T2 and T3. Immediately after delivery each delivered rat of T1 and T2 was given 0.18 ml (Containing 0.36 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) and 0.36 ml (Containing 0.72 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) of distilled water respectively for 2 weeks. Each pregnant rat of T3 was given 0.36 ml of distilled water (Contained 0.72 mg of fluoxetine hydrochloride) throughout the last week of pregnancy and for 2 weeks after delivery. The treatments were given once/day orally. The specimens were collected at two ages, i.e. 1-week and 2-weeks old. The cerebella of all studied offspring were used for light microscopic examination. In addition, the cerebella of 2-weeks old offspring of all groups were used for electron microscopic examination and morphometric study.Results: Light and electron microscopic examination and morphometric studies demonstrated that fluoxetine hydrochloride induced various signs of delayed development of the cerebellar cortex. It also induced degeneration and necrosis of the cerebellar cells and nerve fibers in the form of cytoplasmic vacuoles, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria with destructed cristae, degenerated mitochondria and nuclear changes in the form of karyolysis, pyknosis and karyorrhexis. Also, there was decrease in the number of Purkinje cells. Conclusion:Fluoxetine hydrochloride induced various deleterious changes in the histological structure of the cerebellar cortex of albino rat offspring of treated mothers. These changes were directly proportional with increasing the dose and duration of its administration.