In vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of protein hydrolysates from Octopus vulgaris in alloxanic rats.

This study aims to examine the effects of non-hydrolyzed octopus (Octopus vulgaris) muscle proteins (NHOPs) and their hydrolysates (OPHs) on alloxan induced diabetes in Wistar rats (AIDR). Animals were allocated into seven groups of six rats each: control group (C), diabetic group (D) and diabetic rats treated with acarbose (D + Acar), non-hydrolyzed octopus proteins (D + NHOPs) and octopus proteins hydrolysates (D + OPHs) groups. The diabetic rats presented a significant increase in glycemic status such as α-amylase activity (in plasma, pancreas and intestine), hepatic glycogen, blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, as well as a significant decrease in the levels of plasma insulin and total hemoglobin compared to control group.

Total and differential bulk cow milk somatic cell counts and their relation with antioxidant factors.

In the present study, the relationship between total bulk milk somatic cell counts (BMSCC), differential BMSCC (macrophage, lymphocyte, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes), and antioxidant enzymes was investigated. Forty-three samples of bulk milk were selected randomly from eight dairy farms in the region of Sfax (Tunisia) in winter, from November 2005 to February 2006. Bulk milk samples were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, SOD and GSHPx activity and differential SCC.

[Side effects of low serum lithium concentrations on renal, thyroid, and sexual functions in male and female rats].

The present study, carried out in rats, is a contribution to explore physiological mechanisms underlying lithium toxicity. Male and female mature rats were divided into three groups and fed on commercial pellets: group (C) was control, group (Li1) was given 2000 mg lithium carbonate/kg of food, and group (Li2) was given 4000 mg lithium carbonate/kg of food. If we take into account the BW of the rats and the quantity of food they eat every day, we can estimate that the quantities of lithium carbonate ingested per day and kilogram of BW are, respectively, for the groups Li1 and Li2, of 212 mg (5,738 mmol Li) and 323 mg (8,742 mmol Li) for the males, and about 190 mg (5,142 mmol Li) and 289 mg (7,822 mmol Li) for the females.

[Cytotoxic effects of lead on the endocrine and exocrine sexual function of pubescent male and female rats. Demonstration of apoptotic activity].

This study deals with the impact of chronic exposure to lead on male and female fertility in rats. Male and female rats (3 months old) were fed on commercial tablets (SICO, Sfax). For drinking, some rats were given distilled water (T = controls), the other ones were given distilled water enriched with lead acetate, either 3 (P1 group) or 6 mg ml-1 (P2 group), for 15, 30, 45, 60 or 90 days.