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Bee venom ameliorates oxidative stress and histopathological changes of hippocampus, liver and testis during status
Esraa K Aly1, Hanan S Mahmoud2, Dalal Hussien M Alkhalifah3
1Cell Biology & Histology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt.
Abstract:
The unrelenting progression of neurodegenerative diseases has a negative impact on affected individuals, their families, and society. Recurrent epileptic seizures are the hallmark of epilepsy, and treating it effectively remains difficult. Clarify and understanding effects of the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in epilepsy by comparing the therapeutic effects between rats receiving valproic acid (VPA) and Bee venom (BV) was aimed throughout the present study. Four male Wistar rat groups were included: control, epileptic group receiving pilocarpine (PILO), epileptic group treated with VPA and BV respectively. Cognitive functions were assessed by evaluating latency time in hot plate, despair swim test, grooming, rearing and ambulation frequency in the open field. BV has ameliorative effect on electrolytes balancing, assured by decreasing lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and increasing catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. BV enhanced restoration of liver functions indicated by alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), total proteins, and albumin; hormonal parameters total and free testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) were preserved by BV with great recovery of hippocampus, liver and testicular histopathology and ultrastructure comparing with the epileptic rats. The present findings suggested that BV and its active components offer fresh options for controlling epilepsy and prospective methods via minimize or manage the severe consequences.
Insights
Bee venom (BV) shows promise in managing epilepsy by improving cognitive function and restoring biochemical markers. This study suggests BV may offer a novel therapeutic approach for epilepsy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, posing significant treatment challenges.
- Neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy, have a profound societal impact.
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) effectiveness and side effects necessitate research into alternative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the therapeutic effects of bee venom (BV) and valproic acid (VPA) in an epilepsy model.
- To investigate the impact of BV on cognitive function and biochemical parameters in epileptic rats.
- To evaluate BV's potential in mitigating the adverse effects of epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- An epilepsy model was induced in Wistar rats using pilocarpine (PILO).
- Experimental groups included control, PILO-induced epileptic, VPA-treated, and BV-treated rats.
- Cognitive functions were assessed using hot plate latency, despair swim test, and open field tests (grooming, rearing, ambulation).
- Biochemical analyses included electrolytes, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, SOD, GPx), liver enzymes (ALT, AST), total proteins, albumin, and hormonal levels (testosterone, FSH, LH).
- Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations of hippocampus, liver, and testes were performed.
Main Results:
- Bee venom (BV) demonstrated an ameliorative effect on electrolyte balance by reducing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.
- BV treatment enhanced liver function, as indicated by normalized ALT and AST levels, total proteins, and albumin.
- Hormonal parameters, including total and free testosterone, FSH, and LH, were preserved by BV.
- Significant recovery in the hippocampus, liver, and testicular histopathology and ultrastructure was observed in BV-treated rats compared to epileptic rats.
- BV treatment positively impacted cognitive functions, as evidenced by improved performance in behavioral tests.
Conclusions:
- Bee venom (BV) exhibits significant therapeutic potential in managing epilepsy.
- BV's active components may offer novel strategies for controlling epilepsy and mitigating its severe consequences.
- BV demonstrates neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and hormonal-balancing effects in an epilepsy model.
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