<div style="text-align: justify;">Study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Seabuckthorn leaf extract (SLE) supplementation on serum enzymatic levels in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups namely CON (negative control), SCO (Seabuckthorn control), DCO (Diabetic control), and DSL (Diabetic seabuckthorn treatment group). Diabetes mellitus was induced by single intra peritoneal injection of STZ @ 50 mg/kg body weight in DCO and DSL group of rats. SLE was administered orally @ 100mg/kg body weight for 40 days to SCO and DSL groups. CON served as the negative control. Blood samples were collected from experimental animals on zero, 20th, and 40th days of trial to study liver specific serum enzyme profile viz aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher levels of all the enzymes studied were observed in experimentally induced diabetic rats in comparison to normal rats. However, in SLE treated diabetic rats (DSL group), significant (P&lt;0.01) improvement was observed in all the above enzymes. It may be concluded that SLE exerts hepatoprotective effect in STZ induce Diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats.</div>

Hepatoprotective effect of seabuckthorn leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats

<div><strong>Background:</strong> Bio potency of trace elements is very important in animal growth and reproduction. Among the trace minerals, zinc is very important as it is required for many normal physiological functions. It also plays an essential role in testicular steroidogenesis androgen metabolism and interaction with steroid receptors. Testes have a strict zinc requirement and severe zinc deficiency compromises spermatogenesis, sperm viability, motility and fertility in human beings. Zinc depletion studies in mice resulted in oligospermia with poor Leydig cell function and lowered testosterone concentration and was reversed by zinc supplementation. But, relatively few studies have been conducted on male animal responses to supplementation of important mineral like zinc at their critical phase of growth and reproduction. The present investigation was taken up to study the effect of zinc supplementation in two different doses with a view to assess its implication in testicular and epididymal sperm morphology during growth period in Wistar rats.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> The study was conducted in 72 weaned Wistar male rats for a period of 8 weeks from 4 to 12 weeks of age, which were procured from Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, CSIR Laboratory, Jammu. The experimental rats were divided in to three groups as control: rats fed diet without zinc supplementation, T1 (treatment 1): rats fed diet containing zinc sulphate @ 50 mg/kg body weight/day and T2 (treatment 2): rats fed diet containing zinc sulphate @ 100 mg/kg body weight/day. They were provided standard pelleted ration and clean drinking water <em>ad libitum</em> and maintained under standard managemental conditions. On 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks of experiment, the rats were sacrificed after induction of proper anaesthesia. The reproductive organs (testes and epididymidis) were collected from each rat and tissue pieces from testes and three parts of the epididymis<em> viz</em>. caput, corpus and cauda, were fixed separately in 10 per cent Neutral Buffered Formalin solution and processed for paraffin sections by alcohol- xylene method. Sections 5 &mu; thickness was stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (Luna, 1968) for histological studies.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Elongated spermatids were seen in the seminiferous epithelium only in treatment (T1 and T2) groups at 6 weeks of age, not in the control rats. At 8 weeks of age, maximum number of spermatozoa were seen in the seminiferous tubular lumen in the T1 group as compared to T2 treatment group. At 10 weeks, spermatozoa were seen in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules in all the rats under study. The epididymis revealed no sperm pack in cauda epididymis in all group rats at 6 weeks of age. However, at 8 weeks of age, the sperm pack was seen in the lumen of the epididymal tubules of the cauda epididymis of T1 and T2 groups. The significant finding was that in T1 rats the sperm pack was very compact at 10 weeks in cauda epididymis as compared to T2 and control group rats.</div>


<div>Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Histomorphology of Testis and Epididymis in Male Wistar Rats</div>


<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background:</strong> Baseline information on the morphological development of laboratory animals is very scanty. Hence the present study was undertaken to understand the morphological development of experimental animals.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> An experiment was conducted at Biogen animal facility, Bangalore in the year 2018 to study the morphological changes with regard to growth and developmental parameters in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats and body weight in guinea pigs. Ten Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats in advanced pregnancy of similar age groups and comparable litter sizes in the previous kindlings were selected for the experiment, where as five guinea pigs males and females each were selected with same age group. During the study period, litter weight and size at birth and at weaning, time of initiation and completion (full growth of hair) of hair growth, time of opening of eyes and ears recorded in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats whereas body weight at birth, 3<sup>rd</sup> day, 6<sup>th</sup> day, 9<sup>th</sup> day, 12<sup>th</sup> day and 15<sup>th</sup> were recorded in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The results of Swiss albino mice indicated that the average litter weight (grams) and litter size at birth ranged from 1.39 and 7.50 respectively. The average time taken from initiation and full growth of hair covering on body was 7.50 to 15.30 days. Eyes and ears opened at 7.90 and 8.20 days respectively. Average weight of male and female recorded at weaning (25 days) 19.38 and 15.12 respectively and the litter size at the weaning was 9.70 whereas, livability percent was recorded 87.81 at the end of the trial. The results of Wistar rats indicated that the average litter weight (grams) and litter size at birth ranged from 5.07 and 11 respectively. The average time taken from initiation to full growth of hair covering on body was 9 to 16.20 days. Eyes and ears opened at 12.20 days, average weight (grams) of male and female recorded at weaning (25 days) 78.03 and 63.09 respectively. The litter size at the weaning was 9.70. The livability percent was recorded 88.02 at the end of the trial. The results of Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs indicated that the average body weight (grams) of female at birth, 3<sup>rd</sup> day, 6<sup>th</sup> day, 9<sup>th</sup> day, 12<sup>th</sup> day, 15<sup>th</sup> (Weaning period) ranged from 94.88, 109.34, 123.94, 139.74, 152.14 and 166.66, respectively. On the other hand, average body weight (grams) of male at birth, 3<sup>rd</sup> day, 6<sup>th</sup> day, 9<sup>th</sup> day, 12<sup>th</sup> day, 15<sup>th</sup> (Weaning period) ranged from 145.38, 155.42, 170.50, 185.54, 200.64 and 215.7, respectively.</div>


<p class="ql-align-justify">A Study on Morphological Growth and Development of Swiss Albino Mice, Wistar Rat and Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pigs</p>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Sixty three weaned male Wistar albino rats (124.3&plusmn;3.1 g mean body weight) were divided into 9 treatment (T) groups following completely randomized design (CRD) and fed a common basal diet except for selenium (Se) source and levels. While in T1 (control), no Se was supplemented; in T2 and T3, 150 ppb Se was supplemented as nano Se and sodium selenite, respectively. The rats in T4, T5, T6 and T7 were supplemented nano Se at 75, 37.5, 18.75 and 9.375 ppb levels respectively. The rats in T8 and T9 were supplemented 300 ppb Se as nano Se and sodium selenite respectively. &nbsp;The experimental feeding lasted for a period of 13 weeks including a digestion trial of 5 days after 40 days of experimental feeding. The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, EE, CF, NFE and CP were similar (P&gt;0.05) among different treatment groups, however CP digestibility was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The intake and apparent absorption of Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) were similar (P&gt;0.05) among the nine groups. The apparent Se absorption was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher and feed: gain ratio was significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowered in T3 supplemented with 150 ppb nano Se. The results suggested that nano Se supplementation up to 300 ppb had no adverse effect on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in male Wistar albino rats and nano Se supplementation at 150 ppb exerted a positive effect on growth, protein utilization and apparent selenium absorption in male Wistar albino rats.</div>

Effect of varied levels of selenium supplementation in nano form on growth, nutrient intake and digestibility in Wistar albino rats<br />&nbsp;

<div>Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used class of drugs for treating inflammation and pain. &nbsp;Meloxicam has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties and is a commonly used NSAID in veterinary practice. The present study was done to evaluate effect of meloxicam on toxico-pathological and hematological parameters in Wistar rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were equally divided into three groups i.e. Group I, Group II and Group III. Group I (negative control) rats received only Normal saline (0.9%) @ 1ml/kg. Group II (Low dose) received meloxicam@ 4 mg/kg B.W. and Group III (High dose) rats received meloxicam@8 mg/kg B.W. orally by gavage for 28 days. Dose-dependent clinical signs and lesions were observed after meloxicam treatment. Kidneys and liver were severely hemorrhagic at the high dose, while intestine and stomach had ulcers and erosions. Hematological values were altered after 28 days of administration. Total Erythrocyte Count (TEC), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin values were decreased and TLC count was significantly increased in both doses of meloxicam treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that meloxicam caused GIT lesions, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and variation in the hematological parameters at selected dose and duration.</div>


<div>Meloxicam induced toxicopathology studies in Wistar rats</div>


<p style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background: </strong>To evaluate the Immunomodulatry activity of methanolic extract of Aloe vera&nbsp; in Wistar rats.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Eighteen clinically healthy wistar rats were divided into three groups consisting of six rats in each group. Group I treated with normal saline, Group II with 0.8% SRBC&nbsp; as antigen 5<sup>th</sup> day as sensitizing and 10<sup>th</sup> day as challenging dose, Group III&nbsp; antigen with methanolic extract of<em> Aloe vera</em>&nbsp;Orally @ 200mg/kg.body wt. consecutive for 5 days during sensitizing and challenging dose. The immunological parameters were evaluated with haemagglutination (HA) test for humoural immune response (HIR) whereas delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) for evaluating cell mediated immune response (CMIR). DTH was assessed by injecting 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) in the foot paw region as well as by absolute lymphocyte count.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> Methanolic extract of <em>Aloe vera</em> gel showed significant effect on humoural immune response as assessed by HA test. Antibody titre were found to be significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in <em>Aloe vera</em> treated group (1.35402 &plusmn; 0.205) as compared to antigen treated (0.60201&plusmn;0.076) group.DTH assessed by injecting 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) mitogen was also found to be significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher in aloe vera treated group (3.012 &plusmn; 0.15* mm)&nbsp; as compared to antigen treated (0.482 &plusmn; 0.04 mm). Methanolic extract of Gel of Aloe vera exhibited immunomodulatory activity with respect to cell mediated immune response in wistar rats.</p>


<p>Effect of Methanolic Extract of Aloe vera on Immunomodulatory Activity in Wistar Rats</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> The red-colored tomatoes are characterised as a mine of lycopene to manufacture food grade ingredient and projected its placement in a specialty class where nutrient with pharmaceutical value justifies dietary status. Tomato lycopene has justified its status as a potential antioxidant compensating with nutraceutical importance and provided an option for endorsing specialty nutrition. The diversity epidemiological experiments recorded noteworthy modulations in lipid profile and projected risk reduction potential of lycopene against non-communicable diseases. The progressive research efforts to monitor haematological parameters to justify efficacy of tomato lycopene against adverse effects on wellbeing of human body is required for precision governance. The present research work aims to assess the potential of lycopene rich tomato puree in monitoring the haematological parameters in hyperlipidemic Wistar rats.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> Wistar rats (Healthy control, high fat diet fed, HFD-Stain treated and HFD-tomato puree treated) were examined for physiological, haematological and blood biochemical parameters on 0, 14 and 28<sup>th</sup> day of experiment to assess effect of tomato puree administration on wellbeing of rats against healthy, hyperlipidemic and standard drug status.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> The increased haemoglobin and total erythrocyte count on 14<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> day of experiment justifies the erythropoiesis stimulatory effect of tomato puree lycopene. Moreover, increased total leukocyte count in high fat diet-tomato puree fed rats on 14<sup>th</sup> and 28<sup>th</sup> day validates the positive effect of tomato puree lycopene to monitor healthiness in Wistar rats. The regulatory mechanism based on haematological specialty features that monitors the risk of physiological disorders and diseases outlined through animal study experimental data provided a logistic option to confirm the efficacy of tomato puree lycopene to protect wellbeing/healthiness of live entity (Wistar rats).</div>


<p>Study on Effect of Lycopene Rich Tomato Puree Supplementation on Wellbeing/Healthiness in Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats</p>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional effects of supplementation with virgin coconut oil (VCO) in Wistar rats over a sub-chronic period (6 weeks).<br />
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<strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve Wistar rats were used and randomly assigned to receive (n = 6): control - lab chow; coconut oil (CO) - lab chow with added virgin coconut oil (20%). Food and caloric intake, weight gain, food efficiency, body mass index, femur and tibia length, bone mineral composition and blood biochemistry were evaluated.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The CO group showed an energy intake closed to control group. Also, the supplementation with VCO generated a decrease in total blood cholesterol as compared to the control group. However, the CO group showed accumulation of fat mass, shorter femur length and anxiogenesis in relation to the control group. These results indicate few beneficial effects from the sub-chronic use of VCO and indicate that its consumption in large quantities for long periods should be questioned.</div>


<div>Coconut Oil Promotes Greater Satiety and Reduces Blood Cholesterol, But Induces Obesity, Anxiety and Impaired Bone Formation in Adult Wistar Rats</div>


<div style="text-align: justify;">Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide and has been extensively used as a crop pest and pet flea control programme. In the present study, the effects of imidacloprid on kidney tissue were analyzed in adult female Wistar rats at two dose levels (19 and 38 mg/kg/day) administered orally for 10, 20 and 30 days. Effects were compared with respective control animals administered daily with 2% gum acacia. Different parameters undertaken were kidney weight, levels of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins, oxidative stress parameters viz. activities of SOD, GPx and levels of GSH and MDA and histopathological changes. Imidacloprid at 38 mg/kg dose administered orally for 20 and 30 days significantly increased organ weight and levels of MDA. The activities of enzymes SOD and GPx and levels of GSH were decreased significantly at 38 mg/kg dose administered daily for 30 days. There was significant decrease observed in levels of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins at 38 mg/kg dose administered orally for 20 and 30 days. Histopathological changes in kidney at 38 mg/kg dose in 20 and 30 days group. Therefore, it is concluded that imidacloprid has generated oxidative stress in kidney at 38 mg/kg dose administered orally for 20 and 30 days in adult female Wistar rats.&nbsp;</div>

Sub-acute oxidant and histopathological effects of imidacloprid on kidney of adult female Wistar rats

<div style="text-align: justify;">Imidacloprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide and has been extensively used as a crop pest and in pet flea control programme. In the present study, the effects of imidacloprid on ovary and uteri tissue was analyzed in adult female Wistar rats at two dose levels (19 and 38 mg/kg/day) administered orally for 10, 20 and 30 days. Effects were compared with respective control animals administered daily with 2% gum acacia. Parameters undertaken were organ weight, levels of cytoplasmic and membrane proteins, oxidative stress parameters viz. activities of SOD, GPx and levels of GSH and MDA and histopathological changes. IMI (38 mg/kg, 30 days) reduced cytoplamic proteins in both ovaries and uteri whereas this dose reduced membrane protein in ovaries only. IMI (38 mg/kg, 20 and 30 days) decreased SOD enzyme in both ovaries and uteri and GSH-Px levels in ovaries only. The GSH-Px levels were also seen with decreased levels in uteri with IMI (38 mg/kg) for 30 days. IMI (38 mg/kg, 20 and 30 days) induces degenerative changes in ovaries of rats. Hence, it is concluded from the present studies that administration of higher doses (38 mg/kg/day) of IMI for 20 and 30 days generated oxidative stress in ovaries and uteri of female rats.&nbsp;</div>