Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is a non-protein β-amino acid essential for cellular homeostasis, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties that are crucial for life maintenance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of taurine administration on hippocampal neurogenesis, neuronal preservation, or reverse damage in rats exposed to forced ethanol consumption in an animal model. Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (EtOH) for a 28-day period (5% in the 1st week, 10% in the 2nd week, and 20% in the 3rd and 4th weeks). Two taurine treatment protocols (300 mg/kg i.p.) were implemented: one during ethanol consumption to analyze neuroprotection, and another after ethanol consumption to assess the reversal of ethanol-induced damage. Overall, the results demonstrated that taurine treatment was effective in protecting against deficits induced by ethanol consumption in the dentate gyrus. The EtOH+TAU group showed a significant increase in cell proliferation (145.8%) and cell survival (54.0%) compared to the EtOH+Sal group. The results also indicated similar effects regarding the reversal of ethanol-induced damage 28 days after the cessation of ethanol consumption. The EtOH+TAU group exhibited a significant increase (41.3%) in the number of DCX-immunoreactive cells compared to the EtOH+Sal group. However, this amino acid did not induce neurogenesis in the tissues of healthy rats, implying that its activity may be contingent upon post-injury stimuli.

Free radicals and reactive oxygen species initiate when the oxidative stress arises. (1) Background: The effect of natural molecules on oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic rats, taking statins, was observed. (2) Methods: One hundred and twelve white Wistar rats, males and females, were divided into seven: Group I received 20 mg of atorvastatin while groups II and III received a combination of 20 mg of atorvastatin and 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract. Groups IV and V received 100 mg of Sea buckthorn and grape extract, while groups VI and VII received only high-fat diet (HFD) and normal rodents\' fodder. After two and six months, rats were euthanized, and blood was gathered to measure the main paraclinical values and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Also, the liver and kidney were stored for the organs\' cytoarchitecture. For statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), was performed. (3) Results: HFD produced hyperlipidemia, accompanied by augmented serum and hepatic oxidative stress markers, in addition to a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels. Polyphenolic substances proven efficient against HFD caused oxidative stress. (4) Conclusions: Atorvastatin heightened the histological injuries caused by the fatty diet, but these were diminished by taking atorvastatin in combination with 100 mg/kg of plant extracts.

BACKGROUND: The hawthorn fruit is an interesting medicinal plant that has several biological features, especially related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune-modulating actions, and boosting general health. In this study, we aimed to clarify the immunological effects of hawthorn vinegar on immunity and general health. We also focused on three different production processes to improve the antioxidant activity of hawthorn vinegar (2) Methods: In the study, besides the traditional production of hawthorn vinegar (N), thermal pasteurization (P) and ultrasound (U) techniques were applied to vinegars. A total of 56 female adult Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated into seven groups; Control, N0.5 (regular vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), N1 (regular vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), P0.5 (pasteurized vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), P1 (pasteurized vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw), U0.5 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 0.5 mL/kgbw), and U1 (ultrasound treated vinegar; 1 mL/kgbw). Vinegars were administered by oral gavage daily. The average weight gains, body mass index, and blood hematological parameters were measured, and the Neutrophil Lymphocyte ratio was calculated. The plasma IL-1β and TNF-α values, and MDA, IL-1β and TNF-α values of intestinal tissue, were determined. Also, the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method was applied to determine the expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in duodenum. (3) Results: There was a decreasing tendency in the average weight gains in all vinegar groups compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase in NL ratio in all vinegar groups, although not significant. There were no statistical differences among all vinegar groups, although decreases were observed in plasma IL-1β. Also, the plasma TNF-α values showed slight increases in high-dose-of-vinegar groups (N1, P1 and U1), although not significant. In addition, the intestinal tissue IL-1β value tended to increase in groups N0.5, N1 and P0.5, while it tended to decrease in P1, U0.5 and U1. On the other hand, there were slight increases in the TNF-α values of intestinal tissue in all groups compared to control, although these were not significant. Furthermore, the intensive expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β were determined in groups U0.5 and U1. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that either high doses or ultrasound applications of hawthorn vinegar have positive effects on intestinal health, boosting immunity and general health.

Hyperlipidaemia is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, the antihyperlipidaemic properties of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis, strain S2 from Serbia) were tested in adult Wistar rats before and after induction of hypercholesterolaemia by a high-fat diet (HFD) to compare the preventive with the curative effect. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured in the blood samples. The chemical composition (lipids, proteins and cholesterol) and the content of bile acids in the faeces of the animals were also analysed. Feeding rats with an atherogenic diet for 10 weeks led to the successful development of hyperlipidaemia, as serum TC and LDL-C levels as well as lipids, cholesterol and bile acids in the animals\' faeces were significantly increased. Pre- and post-treatment with spirulina led to a reduction in serum LDL, TC and ALT levels. Administration of spirulina resulted in both a significant increase in primary bile acids excretion and a decrease in bile acids metabolism, with pre-treatment being more effective than post-treatment in some cases. These results suggest that increased excretion of bile acids as well as an effect on the gut microbiota may be the mechanism responsible for the anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of the tested spirulina strain.

Background and Objectives: Hyperprolactinemia, as a potential side-effect of some antipsychotic medications, is associated with decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. This study investigates whether calcium and vitamin D supplementation affects prolactin receptor (Prlr) gene expression in the duodenum, vertebrae, and kidneys of female rats with sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one-week-old female Wistar rats were assigned to three groups: Group S consisted of ten rats who received sulpiride injections (10 mg/kg) twice daily for 6 weeks; Group D (10 rats) received daily supplementation of 50 mg calcium and 500 IU vitamin D along with sulpiride for the last 3 weeks; and Group C consisting of seven age-matched nulliparous rats serving as a control group. Real-time PCR was used to assess Prlr gene expression in the duodenum, vertebrae, and kidneys. Results: In Group S, Prlr gene expression was notably decreased in the duodenum (p < 0.01) but elevated in the vertebrae and kidneys compared to Group C. Conversely, Group D exhibited significantly increased Prlr expression in the duodenum (p < 0.01) alongside elevated expression in the vertebrae and kidneys. Conclusions: In sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia, decreased Prlr gene expression in the duodenum may lead to reduced intestinal calcium absorption. Consequently, prolactin may draw calcium from the skeletal system to maintain calcium balance, facilitated by increased Prlr gene expression in the vertebrae. However, vitamin D supplementation in sulpiride-induced hyperprolactinemia notably enhances Prlr gene expression in the duodenum, potentially ameliorating intestinal calcium absorption and mitigating adverse effects on bone health.

Introduction: The ongoing concern of the medical profession regarding chronic medication is related to increasing patient adherence and compliance to treatment and reducing medication side effects. In this respect, drugs represented by fixed-dose combinations of active substances within the same tablet have emerged. Such a principle can be extrapolated by following the potential beneficial effects that a chronic medication can have on chronic pathologies affecting different systems. Materials and Methods: The study included 48 female Albino Wistar rats, aged 16-18 months, which were divided into two groups: ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized rats. One batch of 12 non-ovariectomized rats received no treatment, becoming a control batch (NOVX-M). The ovariectomized (OVX) group was divided into 3 batches of 12 rats each: no treatment, control (OVX-M), fenofibrate-treated (OVX-F) and statin-treated (OVX-S) rats. At 12 weeks after ovariectomy, a femoral fracture occurred in the right hind limb of all animals included in the experiment To reveal the changes, at intervals of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-fracture, the proximal part of the femur was evaluated by NMR diffusiometry, which allows random motion of proton molecules expressed by self-diffusion coefficients, D, thus allowing analysis of the size and complexity of microscopic order cavities within biological structures, such as pores inside bones. Results: The effects of hypolipidemic medication in the absence of estrogen were evidenced, proving the beneficial effect that fenofibrate can have in preserving healthy tissue exposed to osteoporotic risk during the menopausal period. The effects of lipid-lowering medication are also influenced by the duration of administration. Conclusions: Osteoporosis and heart disease are two chronic pathologies that affect mainly female population in the second half of life, and proving the dual therapeutic potential of lipid-lowering medication may also have positive effects by increasing adherence and compliance to treatment.

Background and Objective: Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) is a lysosomotropic agent administered in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that has fewer toxic effects than chloroquine. However, HCQ may still be responsible for retinal toxicity. In this study, we observed structural changes in the retinas of experimental rats after prolonged exposure to HCQ. Matherials and Methods: We investigated several aspects regarding retinal changes, at both the histopathological and ultrastructural levels. We used 96 male albino Wistar rats distributed into four equal groups (n = 24 per group): the first three groups were treated with different doses of HCQ (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg HCQ, injected intraperitoneally in a single dose daily), and the last group (the control group, n = 24) was treated with saline solution administered in the same way (0.4 mL of saline solution). The treated groups received HCQ daily for 4 months, and every month, six animals from each group were sacrificed to assess retinal changes. The eyes were examined via optical (OM) and electronic microscopy (EM). Statistical analysis was deployed, and results regarding retinal morpho-photometry were acquired. Results: We observed structural retinal changes in both high and low doses of HCQ; while high doses determined a significant thinning of the retina, lower doses caused retinal thickening. Morphological retinal changes upon exposure to HCQ are believed to be caused by accumulated HCQ in lysosomes found in retinal ganglion cells and in the inner nuclear and photoreceptor cell layers. Such changes were most evident in the group receiving HCQ intraperitoneally in doses of 100 mg/kg for a longer period (4 months). Conclusions: The present study highlights histopathological and ultrastructural retinal changes induced by chronic HCQ administration, which were strongly connected to the dosage and period of exposure.

The influence of accelerated electrons on neuronal structures is scarcely explored compared to gamma and X-rays. This study aims to investigate the effects of accelerated electron radiation on some pivotal neurotransmitter circuits (cholinergic and serotonergic) of rats\' myenteric plexus. Male Wistar rats were irradiated with an electron beam (9 MeV, 5 Gy) generated by a multimodality linear accelerator. The contractile activity of isolated smooth muscle samples from the gastric corpus was measured. Furthermore, an electrical stimulation (200 μs, 20 Hz, 50 s, 60 V) was performed on the samples and an assessment of the cholinergic and serotonergic circuits was made. Five days after irradiation, the recorded mechanical responses were biphasic-contraction/relaxation in controls and contraction/contraction in irradiated samples. The nature of the contractile phase of control samples was cholinergic with serotonin involvement. The relaxation phase involved ACh-induced nitric oxide release from gastric neurons. There was a significant increase in serotonergic involvement during the first and second contractile phases of the irradiated samples, along with a diminished role of acetylcholine in the first phase. This study demonstrates an increased involvement of serotonergic neurotransmitter circuits in the gastric myenteric plexus caused by radiation with accelerated electrons.

Increased fructose consumption and chronic stress, the major characteristics of modern lifestyle, impact human health; however, the consequences of their combination on the uterus remain understudied. In this study, we investigated contractile activity, morphology, and intracellular activity of antioxidant enzymes in uteri from virgin Wistar rats subjected to liquid fructose supplementation and/or unpredictable stress over 9 weeks. Contractile activity and uterine response to oxytocin or adrenaline were examined ex vivo using isolated bath chambers. Fructose supplementation, irrespective of stress, affected uterine morphology by increasing endometrium while decreasing myometrium volume density, attenuated uterine response to increasing doses of oxytocin, and increased glutathione peroxidase activity. Stress, irrespective of fructose, attenuated dose-dependent adrenaline-induced uterine relaxation. Stress, when applied solely, decreased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity. In the combined treatment, irregular estrous cycles and both reduced response to oxytocin and to adrenaline (as a consequence of fructose consumption and exposure to stress), along with fructose-related alteration of uterine morphology, were detected. In conclusion, fructose and stress affect uterine contractile activity, irrespective of each other, by inducing completely distinct responses in isolated uteri. In the combined treatment, the effects of both factors were evident, suggesting that the combination exerts more detrimental effects on the uterus than each factor individually.

Emotional stress is one of the health risk factors in the modern human lifestyle. Stress exposure can provoke the manifestation of various pathological conditions, one of which is a sharp increase in the blood pressure level. In the present study, we analyzed changes in the transcriptome profiles of the hypothalamus of hypertensive ISIAH and normotensive WAG rats exposed to a single short-term restraint stress (the rat was placed in a tight wire-mesh cage for 2 h). This type of stress can be considered emotional stress. The functional annotation of differentially expressed genes allowed us to identify the most significantly altered biological processes in the hypothalamus of hypertensive and normotensive rats. The study made it possible to identify a group of genes that describe a general response to stress, independent of the rat genotype, as well as a hypothalamic response to stress specific to each strain. The alternatively changing expression of the Npas4 (neuronal PAS domain protein 4) gene, which is downregulated in the hypothalamus of the control WAG rats and induced in the hypothalamus of hypertensive ISIAH rats, is suggested to be the key event for understanding inter-strain differences in the hypothalamic response to stress. The stress-dependent ISIAH strain-specific induction of Fos and Jun gene transcription may play a crucial role in neuronal activation in this rat strain. The data obtained can be potentially useful in the selection of molecular targets for the development of pharmacological approaches to the correction of stress-induced pathologies related to neuronal excitability, taking into account the hypertensive status of the patients.