Edible bird's nest impact on rats' uterine histomorphology, expressions of genes of growth factors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and oxidative stress level

Abstract

Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the effect of edible bird’s nest (EBN) supplementation on the uteri of rats based on analyses of the morphological and histomorphometric changes, and expressions of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (REGF) genes, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and steroid receptors.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four: Sprague Dawley rats were equally distributed into the following four groups: G1 (control), G2, G3, and G4 represented the groups treated with EBN at graded concentrations of 0, 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight (BW) per day for 8 weeks, respectively. During the experimental period, the BW of each rat was recorded weekly. At the proestrus stage of estrous cycle, blood samples were collected from the hearts of anesthetized rats that were later sacrificed. The uteri were removed for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.Results:The EBN-treated groups showed an increase in the weights and lengths of uteri as compared to the control. Results showed that relative to G1 and G2, G3 and G4 exhibited proliferation in their uterine luminal and glandular epithelia and uterine glands, and up-regulated expressions of EGF, REGF, VEGF, PCNA, and progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor in their uteri. The EBN increased the antioxidant (AO) and total AO capacities and reduced the oxidative stress (OS) levels in non-pregnant rats.Conclusion:Findings of this study revealed that EBN promotes proliferation of the uterine structures as evidenced by the upregulation of the expressions of steroid receptors, EGF, REGF, VEGF, and PCNA in the uterus and increased in the plasma concentrations of AO and reduced levels of OS.

The role of edible bird's nest and mechanism of averting lead acetate toxicity effect on rat uterus

“…Many disease conditions are related to disturbances of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD, glutathione as well as increases in ROS, NOS, and lipid peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde. Supplementation with EBN as an antioxidant has been observed to aid in disease prophylaxis as well as treatment [16,47]. In the current study, EBN prevented alteration of the cellular redox state induced by LA by increasing antioxidant capacity and enhancing one of the enzymes involved in antioxidant defense that is SOD, which functions as blockers of the free radical process.…”

“…The administration of different doses of LA was shown to cause reduced BW, uterine weight, and a decrease in the frequency of ova and pregnancies in mice [12]. Although a recent study highlighted the impact of EBN supplement on normal rats’ uteri [16], there are no reports on the effect of EBN on LA-induced uterine injuries.…”

“…Vaginal cytology was used to monitor the estrous cycle, according to Albishtue et al . [16]. The percentages of different types of cells in the vaginal smear, according to McLean et al .…”

“…The histology samples were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 h, sectioned, and stained using hematoxylin and eosin. The samples were observed under a microscope for histological changes, including those in the endothelial lining and the number of uterine glands [16,18]. Sections were cut from the central region to the peripheral region.…”

“…[20] and Albishtue et al . [16]. The SOD activity was determined in the plasma using the Enzychrom ™ SOD Assay Kit (Bioassay System, San Francisco Bay Area, USA), which assesses the percentage of superoxide radicals that undergo dismutation in a given sample [20].…”