A short-term chick embryo xenograft model to study retinoblastoma cancer stem cells.

Purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) reported in various tumors play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and metastasis of retinoblastoma (Rb). Following the efforts to reduce, replace, and refine the use of mammalian models, we aimed to establish a short-term xenograft for Rb to evaluate the CSC properties of CD133 Rb Y79 cells, using the well-established chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CE-CAM) assay.

Methods: Y79 cells were cultured, labeled with two different dyes (CM-Dil Y79 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)) and sorted for CD133 and CD133 + subsets.

Diet-induced- and genetic-obesity differentially alters male germline histones.

Obesity, an established risk factor for male subfertility or infertility, is primarily due to genetic and environmental causes. Our earlier studies have shown differential effects of high-fat diet-induced- (DIO) and genetically inherited- (GIO) obesity on DNA methylation in male germline and its subsequent effect on fertility. Here, we hypothesized that the effects of DIO and GIO on histone modifications in male germline could also contribute to fertility defects.

The promise(s) of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in averting preclinical diabetes: lessons from in vivo and in vitro model systems.

Obesity (Ob) poses a significant risk factor for the onset of metabolic syndrome with associated complications, wherein the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy shows pre-clinical success. Here, we explore the therapeutic applications of human Placental MSCs (P-MSCs) to address Ob-associated Insulin Resistance (IR) and its complications. In the present study, we show that intramuscular injection of P-MSCs homed more towards the visceral site, restored HOMA-IR and glucose homeostasis in the WNIN/GR-Ob (Ob-T2D) rats.

Pharmacological properties of durva swaras (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.) in an ovariectomised rat model mimicking chronic menopausal syndrome.

Hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), as the first-line management of chronic menopausal syndrome (CMS) in women, has limited application due to adverse effects. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a herbal alternative (HALT), durva swaras (DS) of Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.

High fat diet-induced- and genetically inherited- obesity differential alters DNA demethylation pathways in the germline of adult male rats.

Obesity is a multifactorial condition with predominantly genetic and environmental causes and is an emerging risk factor for male infertility/subfertility. Epigenetic mechanisms are vulnerable to genetic and environmental changes. Our earlier studies have shown differential effects of genetically inherited (GIO) - and diet-induced- obesity (DIO) on DNA methylation in male germline.

Attenuation of FGF21 signalling might aggravate the impairment of glucose homeostasis during the high sucrose diet induced transition from prediabetes to diabetes in WNIN/GR-Ob rats.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has emerged as a pleiotropic hormone and is known for its beneficiary roles in the management of diabetes and hyperglycaemia. However, the role of FGF21 during the transition from prediabetes to diabetes still remains unclear. Hence, the present study is aimed to understand the regulation of glucose homeostasis by FGF21 during the transition from prediabetes to diabetes in WNIN/GR-Ob rats.

High-fat diet-induced and genetically inherited obesity differentially alters DNA methylation profile in the germline of adult male rats.

Background: Paternal obesity has been associated with reduced live birth rates. It could lead to inheritance of metabolic disturbances to the offspring through epigenetic mechanisms. However, obesity is a multifactorial disorder with genetic or environmental causes.

Altered endocrine, cytokine signaling and oxidative stress: A plausible reason for differential changes in testicular cells in diet-induced and genetically-inherited - obesity in adult rats.

Obesity is emerging as a potential risk factor for male infertility. It is a multifactorial disorder with primarily genetic and/or environmental factors. Our earlier studies have shown differential effects of genetically inherited-and high fat diet induced-obesity on hormones, fertility and spermatogenesis in adult male rats.

Antiobesity efficacy of asiatic acid: down-regulation of adipogenic and inflammatory processes in high fat diet induced obese rats.

In the current study, we evaluated the effects of Asiatic acid (AA) on lipid metabolic markers in HFD-induced obese Sprague-Dawley rat model. AA (20 mg/kg BW) was administered orally to HFD-fed rats for 42 days. Changes in body composition, glucose, insulin resistance (IR) and lipid profiles of tissues, plasma and the pattern of gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and its target genes fatty-acid synthase (FAS), adipocyte protein-2 (aP2) and uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) and pro-inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were observed in experimental rats.

Genetically Inherited Obesity and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Differentially Alter Spermatogenesis in Adult Male Rats.

Obesity is a multifactorial disorder with predominantly genetic and/or environmental causes. Our aim was to delineate effects of genetically inherited and high-fat diet-induced obesity on fertility and spermatogenesis using two Wistar rat models: genetically inherited obese (GIO) WNIN/Ob rats and diet-induced obese (DIO) rats, which received a high-fat diet. The terminal body weights were similar in both groups, but there was a significant difference in metabolic and hormone profiles between the groups.

Correction to: Antiobesity potential of Piperonal: promising modulation of body composition, lipid profiles and obesogenic marker expression in HFD-induced obese rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s12986-017-0228-9.].

Antiobesity potential of Piperonal: promising modulation of body composition, lipid profiles and obesogenic marker expression in HFD-induced obese rats.

Background: Black pepper or is a well-known spice, rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, and widely used in many cuisines across the world. In the Indian traditional systems of medicine, it is used to treat gastric and respiratory ailments. The purpose of this investigation is to study the antihyperlipidemic and antiobesity effects of piperonal in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats.

Amelioration of neuronal cell death in a spontaneous obese rat model by dietary restriction through modulation of ubiquitin proteasome system.

Dietary restriction (DR) has been shown to increase longevity, delay onset of aging, reduce DNA damage and oxidative stress and prevent age-related decline of neuronal activity. We previously reported the role of altered ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in the neuronal cell death in a spontaneous obese rat model (WNIN/Ob rat). In this study, we investigated the effect of DR on obesity-induced neuronal cell death in a rat model.

Botulinum neurotoxin effects on masseter muscle fibre in WNIN obese rats-Scanning electron microscope analysis.

WNIN/Ob obese mutant rats are unique in comparison to similar rodent models of obesity established in the West. The present study is aimed to evaluate the masticatory function and histological changes in masseter muscle fibres treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) in WNIN/Ob rats. Twelve WNIN/Ob obese rats and 12 lean rats at 35 days of age were taken and divided into four groups (6 rats in each group): Group-I (WNIN/Ob) and Group-II (lean) rats were injected with BoNT/A (1 unit) into right side of masseter muscle.

Thymoquinone prevents RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis activation and osteolysis in an in vivo model of inflammation by suppressing NF-KB and MAPK Signalling.

Osteoclasts are multinuclear giant cells responsible for bone resorption in inflammatory bone diseases such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Because of deleterious side effects with currently available drugs the search continues for novel effective and safe therapies. Thymoquinone (TQ), the major bioactive component of Nigella sativa has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Effects of Piper nigrum extracts: Restorative perspectives of high-fat diet-induced changes on lipid profile, body composition, and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Context: Piper nigrum Linn (Piperaceae) (PnL) is used in traditional medicine to treat gastric ailments, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension.

Objective: The present study explores the possible protective effects of P. nigrum extracts on high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats.

Mitochondriogenesis and apoptosis: possible cause of vitamin A-mediated adipose loss in WNIN/Ob-obese rats.

Background: Previously, we reported that vitamin A-enriched diet (129 mg/kg diet) intake reduces the adiposity development in obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain. Here, we hypothesize that dose lesser than 129 mg of vitamin A/kg diet would also be effective in ameliorating the development of obesity in these rats.

Methods: Five-month-old male lean and obese rats designated as A & B were divided into four subgroups (I, II, III and IV) consisting of 8 rats from each phenotype and received diets containing 2.

Collagen type-I leads to in vivo matrix mineralization and secondary stabilization of Mg-Zr-Ca alloy implants.

Biodegradable magnesium-zirconia-calcium (Mg-Zr-Ca) alloy implants were coated with Collagen type-I (Coll-I) and assessed for their rate and efficacy of bone mineralization and implant stabilization. The phases, microstructure and mechanical properties of these alloys were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy and compression test, respectively, and the corrosion behavior was established by their hydrogen production rate in simulated body fluid (SBF). Coll-I extracted from rat tail, and characterized using fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, was used for dip-coating the Mg-based alloys.

Mitigating efficacy of piperine in the physiological derangements of high fat diet induced obesity in Sprague Dawley rats.

An increased risk of obesity has become a common public health concern as it is associated with hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart diseases, liver steatosis etc. Pharmacological intervention with natural product-based drugs is considered a healthier alternative to treat obesity. This study was aimed to evaluate anti-obesity effects of piperine on high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in rats.

Bone healing evaluation of nanofibrous composite scaffolds in rat calvarial defects: a comparative study.

We studied the in vivo performance of scaffolds consisting of nanofibrous poly(L-lactic acid) (P) and blend of poly(L-lactic acid/gelatin) (PG) prepared by electrospinning and further composited them with hydroxyapatite (HA) via alternate soaking method, to get poly(L-lactic acid)/hydroxyapatite (PH) and poly(L-lactic acid)/gelatin/hydroxyapatite (PGH) scaffolds respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare bone regeneration potential of electrospun P, PG and electrospun-alternate soaked PH and PGH scaffolds using rat as an animal model by creating two 5 mm circular defects in calvaria. The respective scaffolds were implanted into the defects as one side implantation and both side implantation.

Zirconium, calcium, and strontium contents in magnesium based biodegradable alloys modulate the efficiency of implant-induced osseointegration.

Development of new biodegradable implants and devices is necessary to meet the increasing needs of regenerative orthopedic procedures. An important consideration while formulating new implant materials is that they should physicochemically and biologically mimic bone-like properties. In earlier studies, we have developed and characterized magnesium based biodegradable alloys, in particular magnesium-zirconium (Mg-Zr) alloys.

Histological analysis of cells and matrix mineralization of new bone tissue induced in rabbit femur bones by Mg-Zr based biodegradable implants.

The biological efficacy of bone inducing implant materials in situ can be assessed effectively by performing histological analysis. We studied the peri-implant bone regeneration around two types of biodegradable magnesium-zirconium alloys, Mg-5Zr and Mg-Zr-2Sr, using histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods in the femur of New Zealand White strain rabbits. Our study includes three animal groups: (a) Mg-5Zr, (b) Mg-Zr-2Sr and (c) control.

Carbenoxolone treatment ameliorated metabolic syndrome in WNIN/Ob obese rats, but induced severe fat loss and glucose intolerance in lean rats.

Background: 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) regulates local glucocorticoid action in tissues by catalysing conversion of inactive glucocorticoids to active glucocorticoids. 11β-HSD1 inhibition ameliorates obesity and associated co-morbidities. Here, we tested the effect of 11β-HSD inhibitor, carbenoxolone (CBX) on obesity and associated comorbidities in obese rats of WNIN/Ob strain, a new animal model for genetic obesity.