Introduction: Energy drinks provide the consumer witha combination of stimulants and energy boosters that increases the physical endurance, concentration, muscular performance and mood. Despite their benefits, many health hazards occur that may be attributed to its caffeine content. Aim: To study the effect of a caffeinated energy drink on the histological structure of submandibular salivary gland of albino rats and evaluation of the effect of its withdrawal. Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 3 equal groups: control group, group II (received the energy drink in a dose 3.75 ml/Kg daily orally for 8 weeks), group III (received the energy drink in a dose 3.75 ml/Kg daily orally for 8 weeks, and left for another 8 weeks without treatment). The submandibular salivary gland specimens were taken and prepared for light and electron microscopic study and immunohistochemical staining for myoepithelial cells using anti α-SMA antibody. Results: Specimens from group II showed disturbance of the normal structure of the submandibular salivary glands. The lining epithelium of the acini and ducts showed cytoplasmic vacuoles with compressed or pyknotic nuclei. Disturbance of the basal striation of the cells lining striated ducts. There was deposition of abundant collagen fibers between the lobules and around the acini and ducts. A statistically highly significant increase in α-SMA immunoreaction was noticed around the acini, intercalated, striated and granular ducts. Ultrastructurally, fusion of the secretory granules, swollen mitochondria, dilatation and fragmentation of rough endoplasmic reticulum of the acinar cells were observed. Amelioration of the previous histological changes was detected in group III after withdrawal of the caffeinated energy drink. Conclusion: The caffeinated energy drink induced structural changes in the submandibular salivary gland of Albino rats which were partially ameliorated by its withdrawal. So, excessive intake of the caffeinated energy drinks should be considered as health hazard for human.
All right received. Introduction icin toxin (RT) is considered one of the most potent and lethal naturally-occurring substances that ever known; in humans, the median lethal dose of ricin (LD50) after injection or inhalation is about 22 µg/kg of body weight, meanwhile, the estimated lethal oral dose is 1 mg/kg. Hence, some of orally administered ricin is inactivated in the stomach therefore, it becomes less toxic. Meanwhile, ricin toxicity is very limited through intact skin because of its large molecular size and high charge. Ricin is a water-soluble glycoprotein which was firstly extracted from the seeds of castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) by the researcher Peter Hermann Stillmark. Because of its high toxicity, wide availability and the ease of its manufacture, ricin has been considered as one of the biological warfare agents (EFSA, 2008; Moshiri et al., 2016 and Zhou et al., 2017).
Introduction:
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is considered one of the environmental pollutants. It is used as hydraulic coils in vacuum pumps, pesticides transformers, heat-exchange systems, capacitors and as additives in adhesive inks, paints, plastics, copying paper and sealants. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant substance normally present in mitochondria as a coenzyme.
Aim of the Work:
To evaluate the protective effect of ALA on PCB induced testicular toxicity.
Materials and Methods:
Twenty five adult male albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into four groups, a control group included 10 rats, group II rats received alpha lipoic acid 25mg/Kg /day orally for 30 days, group III rats received PCB 5mg /Kg/day orally for 30 days and group IV rats received both PCB and alpha lipoic acid at the same previous dose for 30 days. At the appropriate time, the specimens were taken and prepared for light and electron microscope study.
Results:
LM examination revealed structural alterations in group III in the form of wide spaces between seminiferous tubules that contain homogeneous acidophilic substance, partial or complete detachment of the tubules from the basement membrane and total distorted irregular shaped tubules. Also dilated congested blood vessels were seen. EM examination of this group revealed Sertoli cells with cytoplasmic vacuolation and dilated rER. The basement membrane appeared as thick and irregular line under Sertoli and spermatogenic cells and it was interrupted in some points. Primary spermatocyte appeared shrunken while others revealed vacuoles in the cytoplasm and perinuclear dilatation. Leydig cells showed irregular vacuoles and swollen destroyed mitochondria. Amelioration of the previous histological changes could be detected in group IV.
Conclusion:
It could be concluded that alpha-lipoic acid has a protective effect against PCB induced testicular toxicity.
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