Reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats is an animal model of tardive dyskinesia that has been linked with free radical generation and oxidative stress. In the present study, reserpine (1 mg kg(-1), s.c.) was given to rats on days 1, 3 and 5 to induce orofacial dyskinesia, which is characterised by increased vacuous chewing and tongue protrusion. Sub-chronic treatment with Korean ginseng extract from day 1 to day 21 along with reserpine on days 1, 3 and 5 significantly and dose-dependently (100 and 200 mg kg(-1)) reduced reserpine-induced vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions. Reserpine-treated animals also showed poor retention of memory in the elevated plus maze paradigm. The sub-chronic Korean ginseng extract administration significantly reversed reserpine-induced retention deficits. Biochemical analysis revealed that repeated reserpine treatment significantly induced lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH) levels in the brains of rats. Reserpine-treated rats also showed decreased levels of antioxidant defence enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Sub-chronic administration of Korean ginseng extract dose-dependently and significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and restored decreased GSH levels by repeated reserpine treatment. It also significantly reversed the reserpine-induced decrease in brain SOD and catalase levels in rats. The present study concludes that oxidative stress might play an important role in reserpine-induced abnormal oral movements, and Korean ginseng extract could be useful in the treatment of drug-induced dyskinesia and amnesia.
Agents that control fertility are termed as antifertility agents or oral contraceptives. Many plant-based products have the antifertility potential which need to be explored.The present study therefore was undertaken to evaluate possible antifertility effects of hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of (HAEMD) and aqueous extract of leaves of (AELS) in experimental rats. Experiments were carried using wistar rats of either sex. Animals were administered with different doses of HAEMD and AELS (250, and 350 mg/kg, p. o) for 30 days. The body weight and reproductive organs weights for male (Testis) and for female (Uterus) were analyzed. Sperm count and Sperm motility was determined in male rats by manually. Testosterone in male and progesterone levels in female rats were checked. Effect of both extracts on Estrous cycle in female rats were checked. Section of testis were taken for histopathological study. The effect of the extract on male rats showed decreased testis weight, reduced sperm count and motility as compared to control animals. The blood testosterone level in male rats was reduced in treatment groups. The testicular histology was altered as compared to control male rats. In female animals, extracts showed antiovulatory activity, alteration in estrous cycle, decreased uterus weight and serum progesterone levels. It is concluded that HAEMD and AELS are effective as antifertility plants for both male and female rats.
Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been recognized as the one of the microvascular chronic complications resulting from diabetes. Though, efforts have taken to develop effective therapies for attenuation of DN, involvement of the multiple pathogenetic mechanisms and underlying oxidative stress (OS) makes it difficult to choose optimum therapeutic agent. Objective: The study is aimed at assessing the possible therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) individually or in combination on experimental DN in rats. Materials and Methods: The study was performed on adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50; 200-250 g). Rats were made diabetic by alloxan (130 mg/kg; i.p.). The non-diabetic rats were randomly assigned to control, CoQ10 (10 mg/kg, p.o.), NAC (300 mg/kg, p.o.), and CoQ10+ NAC group. Whereas diabetic rats were grouped as DN control, DN+ CoQ10, DN+ NAC and DN+ CoQ10 +NAC groups. CoQ10 and/or NAC were administered to the diabetic rats for 8 weeks after confirmation of the DN. Renal functions and tissue antioxidant parameters were estimated. Results: Renal function tests and urinary proteins were significantly (p<0.05) higher within DN control group as compared with the diabetic groups (p<0.05) receiving treatments for 8 weeks. The study showed significant effect of combined treatment in improving renal function and antioxidant status in DN rats.
Conclusion:The study provides valuable information supporting that treatment with combination of CoQ10 and NAC might prevent or delay the renal damage associated with DN and improves the antioxidant.
Oxidative stress is strongly linked to neurodegeneration and oxidative species can modify many amino acids and proteins in the brain. Cysteine amino acid is most susceptible to oxidative post-translational modifications (PTMs). Reversible or irreversible cysteine PTMs can cause dyshomeostasis, which further continued to cellular damage. Many cysteine dependent proteins and many non-proteins using cysteine as their structural components are affected by oxidative stress. Several cysteine dependent enzymes are acting as antioxidants. Cysteine is a major contributor to glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) synthesis. Cysteine precursor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation is proven as a potent free radical scavenger and increase brain antioxidants and subsequently potentiates the natural antioxidant cellular defense mechanism. Thus, in this chapter, the authors explore the linkage of cellular cysteine networks and neurodegenerative disorders.
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